China Significantly Loosens Visa Restrictions in Bid To Attract More Visitors

It’s no secret that the Chinese economy took a hit during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, in an attempt to get at least 1 aspect of its economy humming again, China’s National Immigration Administration has announced new, relaxed rules surrounding visa-free travel for foreigners.

Here’s what you need to know about the new policy.

China’s Updated Visa-Free Travel Policies

Previously, China permitted 2 different visa-free travel scenarios, depending on a traveler’s specific destination. Travelers could stay in China for either 3 days or 6 days, depending on the destination. Both scenarios required travelers to enter China from a first country, spend time in China, and then continue traveling onward to a third country or eligible territory before their visa-free time allotment in China expired. They also had to remain within the confines of their arrival city during this time.

Now, however, the government has tripled the amount of time permitted under China’s visa-free transit rules, allowing up to 10 days (or 240 hours) of time within the country before moving on to a third country. Per CNN reporting, territories like Hong Kong and Macau satisfy the third-country requirement, though territories that require additional paperwork and/or separate visas, like Tibet and Xinjiang, do not.

In addition to the permitted timeframe, the Chinese government has made further tweaks to its visa-free travel policy. More entry points have been added to the approved list, as visitors can now travel among 24 approved provinces (an increase from the 19 provinces that were previously allowed). Additionally, travelers can now visit multiple cities during their visa-free travel period. Traveling between provinces is permitted under the new rules — something previously excluded.

Be aware that a few of these provinces limit travel within that area to key cities, but most permit free movement across the entire area. Most of the country’s most popular cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and more, are covered.

These new rules apply to citizens from over 50 countries, including the United States. Citizens from 35 other nations, including France, Japan, and New Zealand, can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.

Final Thoughts

China is making it easier for most tourists to visit the country without a visa as long, as they follow the rules. Citizens from over 50 countries, including the U.S., can now visit China visa-free for up to 10 days as long as the visit precedes a visit to another country or approved territory.

Given China’s complicated visa requirements and approval process, relaxing the visa-free travel rules will make the country a realistic possibility for many more travelers, supporting the government’s goal of attracting even more tourists.