Beijing: In a major development aimed at boosting global tourism and strengthening international ties, China has announced a new visa-free travel policy for citizens of 48 countries. The plan, which will come into effect in September 2025, is expected to attract millions of visitors and promote cross-border trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Under the initiative, travelers from a wide range of European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries will be allowed to enter China without requiring a visa. This marks one of the most significant steps Beijing has taken in recent years to open its doors to the world and position itself as a more accessible travel destination.
The list of approved countries includes several European Union members such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, Malta, and Cyprus. Neighboring microstates like Monaco, Andorra, and Liechtenstein are also part of the new visa-free arrangement.
From Asia and the Middle East, countries such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman have been included. Australia and New Zealand have also secured a spot on the list, further expanding the reach of China’s tourism market. In addition, Latin American nations including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay are set to benefit from the new policy.
A particularly notable inclusion is Russia, which has been granted visa-free access for the first time in history. Analysts see this as a symbolic and strategic step toward deepening China-Russia relations, especially at a time when both nations are seeking closer political and economic cooperation.
Despite the broad scope of the new policy, Pakistan is absent from the list of eligible countries. The exclusion has been noted as significant, given the close diplomatic and economic ties between China and Pakistan through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Officials in Beijing emphasized that the move is primarily aimed at expanding China’s tourism sector, strengthening its soft power, and driving economic growth through international engagement. By easing entry restrictions, China hopes to enhance its role as a global hub for tourism, business, and cultural interaction.
The announcement has already sparked excitement among travelers and industry stakeholders worldwide, with many expecting a sharp rise in international arrivals once the policy takes effect.
