China Sees Surge in Foreign Arrivals with Expanded Visa-Free Policy

China has experienced a significant rise in foreign arrivals following the extension of its visa-free policy to multiple countries, according to VisaGuide.World. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to include three additional entry ports, bringing the total number of eligible ports to 37, as announced by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on July 15.

New Ports Added

The newly included ports are:

• Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
• Lijiang Sanyi International Airport
• Mohan Railway Port

Policy Details

The 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows citizens from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to transit through these ports to third countries without a visa. Travelers with valid documents and confirmed onward travel tickets within 144 hours can stay in designated areas for up to six days for tourism, business, or family visits.

Impact of the Policy

Since its introduction in January 2013, the transit visa exemption policy has significantly enhanced international personnel exchanges and cooperation. The NIA highlighted the policy’s role in fostering international collaboration and plans to further refine and optimize the policy to make China more accessible to foreign visitors.

Statistics and Growth

Recent statistics from the NIA show a substantial increase in international visitors:

• First Six Months of 2024: China welcomed 14.64 million visitors, a 153% increase compared to the previous year.
• Visa-Free Entries: 8.5 million visitors entered China visa-free, accounting for 52% of total inbound trips and marking a 190% increase from the previous year.
• Beijing: The capital city alone received over one million visitors in the first half of 2024, a 257% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Future Developments

The NIA has committed to continuing improvements to the transit visa exemption policy. These efforts aim to deepen the institutional opening of immigration management, welcome foreigners with a more open attitude, and support high-level opening and high-quality development in China.

Conclusion

China’s expanded visa-free policy and relaxed visa requirements are part of a strategic effort to attract international visitors and return to pre-pandemic tourism levels. The positive trend in visitor numbers indicates the effectiveness of these policies and underscores China’s commitment to fostering global connections and economic growth through tourism and trade.