Dreaming of China? Discover Visa-Free Travel for 74 Countries!

European Coverage in the Policy

The policy covers almost all of Europe, with only a couple of high‑income countries excluded:

• Sweden
• United Kingdom

China’s New Visa‑Free Trail for Global Tourists

In an effort to rekindle its tourist sector, China has broadened its visa‑free access, allowing citizens from 74 countries to visit for up to 30 days without the need for a pre‑arrival visa.

Key Highlights

• Visitor Surge: The National Immigration Administration reports that over 20 million foreign tourists entered China without a visa in 2024—more than twice the number from 2023.
• Geographic Reach: The expanded list now includes most of Europe, as well as several Asian, African, and Caribbean nations.
• Economic Impact: The policy is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism revenue, enhance the domestic economy, and strengthen China’s cultural influence worldwide.

What It Means for Travelers

Travelers can now enjoy easier access to iconic sites, such as the Temple of Heaven, without the repetitive process of applying for entry visas.

Personal Testimony

Giorgi Shavadze, a Georgian resident of Austria, shared his experience: “The visa‑free policy has truly made traveling smoother. The previous visa procedure was a hassle, and skipping it radically simplifies the journey.”

China’s tourism industry gears up after years of slow recovery

China Eyes a Growing Wave of International Holidaymakers

Despite many attractions still being dominated by domestic visitors, the nation’s travel agencies and tour guides are gearing up for a larger influx of foreign tourists as the summer season approaches.

Expert Guidance Amid Rising Demand

Gao Jun, a seasoned English‑speaking guide with more than two decades of experience, admits his schedule has become overwhelming. “I’m practically swamped with tours and struggling to keep up,” he told us. To address this surge, Gao has launched a training initiative aimed at aspiring English‑speaking guides.

• Open slots for both novices and seasoned professionals.
• Hands‑on certification covering cultural nuances and tour logistics.
• Support for ongoing professional development.

Post‑Pandemic Tourism Landscape

After lifting stringent COVID‑19 restrictions, China reopened its borders to tourists early in 2023. The year’s visitation figure—13.8 million—was just under half of the pre‑pandemic peak of 31.9 million in 2019. The industry now anticipates a sharp rise as summer travelers eye China’s vibrant destinations.

30-day entry for many in Europe

China Expands Visa‑Free Access to 75 Countries, Including European and Asian Nations

Recent Expansions

• December 2023: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia added.
• Late March 2024: Five Latin American states and Uzbekistan granted entry.
• April 2024: Four Middle Eastern countries welcomed.
• July 16, 2024: Azerbaijan joins the list, raising total to 75.

Trial Basis for Most Nations

Approximately two‑thirds of the new visa‑free entries are implemented on a one‑year trial basis, allowing citizens to visit China without prior arrangements.

Impact on Travelers

Øystein Sporsheim, a Norwegian resident, shared how the change releases his family from the burdens of frequent embassy visits.

“No longer must we make two round‑trip trips to the embassy in Oslo for a tourist visa,” he explained. “With the new visa‑free regime, the process is vastly simplified, especially when traveling with two children. Previously the visa office operated only sporadically, adding extra difficulty and expense.”

Europeans driving a tourism rebound

China’s Visa Revamp Sparks Tourism Surge

WildChina Reports a 50 % Business Increase

“The new visa rules are entirely advantageous for us,” explained Jenny Zhao, the managing director of WildChina, a firm that curates boutique and luxury itineraries for global travelers. Business has risen by 50 % relative to pre‑pandemic levels.

Shifting Market Shares

• United States remains the largest source of clients, contributing about 30 % of all bookings.
• European travelers now account for 15 %–20 % of the customer base, a sharp jump from fewer than 5 % before 2019.

Trip.com Group Highlights Double Bookings

The Shanghai‑based online agency reported that visa‑free travel has dramatically boosted tourism. Air, hotel, and ancillary reservations doubled during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2021. 75 % of those bookings come from visa‑free regions.

Regions Without Visa‑Free Access

Africa remains largely excluded; no major country on the continent enjoys visa‑free entry to China, despite relatively close diplomatic ties.

Transit stays offer another option for non-eligible countries

Restricted 10‑Day Transit Notice for Travelers Outside the Visa‑Free List

Citizens from ten countries that are not currently included in China’s 30‑day visa‑free program have a secondary option: they may enter China for a brief stay of up to ten days provided they leave for a destination other than the one they entered from. This measure is in place for sixty designated points of entry across the country, according to the National Immigration Administration.

Scope of the Transit Policy

• The policy covers travelers from fifty‑five different nations.
• Most of those nations already qualify for the 30‑day visa‑free entry.
• Only the following ten countries are excluded from the 30‑day list: Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Indonesia, Canada, United States, and Mexico.

High‑Income European Exception

Within the high‑income European cohort, the United Kingdom is the sole country not on the visa‑free schedule, with Sweden standing as the second.

Context Behind the Exclusion

Relations between China and Sweden have seen a downturn, particularly following the Chinese Communist Party’s 2020 sentencing of Swedish bookseller Gui Minhai to a decade in prison. Gui, who vanished in 2015 near the Thai coastline, resurfaced a few months later in mainland Chinese custody.

Implications for Travelers

• Travelers from the ten excluded countries should plan an alternate destination after visiting China to avoid complications.
• They must ensure entry points are among the sixty authorized ports to qualify for the ten‑day stay.
• Failure to comply could result in visa or entry restrictions.