The Chinese government has extended its visa-free policy until December 31, 2025, affecting citizens from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and now Malaysia. This marks a significant expansion of China’s visa-free entry program, which was initially granted to six nations in 2023 and later extended to six additional countries in 2024.
From March 14, 2024, to November 30, 2024, nationals from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland will be eligible for visa-free entry to Mainland China for up to 15 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. Additionally, New Zealand has been newly included in China’s visa-free entry list, a move announced during a high-level visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to New Zealand.
This development aims to enhance the exchange of people and ideas between China and the world, facilitating greater openness and cooperation. The Chinese government is committed to fostering new visa-free agreements and enhancing tourism infrastructure to support cross-border travel and boost economic development through increased tourism.
In recent initiatives to boost inbound tourism and business amid economic recovery post-COVID-19, the Chinese government has been proactive. For instance, Singapore recently agreed with China on a 30-day mutual visa exemption, while Thailand is negotiating a similar reciprocal visa waiver. These efforts aim to expand China’s network of visa-free arrangements.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in its 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) conducted in collaboration with Oxford Economics, a leading global economic forecaster, announced today that China’s Travel & Tourism sector is poised to contribute a record ¥12.62 trillion to the national economy by year’s end. The report also highlights that domestic travel spending is forecasted to achieve unprecedented levels, with an anticipated economic impact of ¥6.79 trillion in China for 2024.
The Chinese passport is ranked 51st globally according to our Passport Index ratings. Holders of a Chinese passport can travel without a visa to 86 countries.
China boasts a comprehensive network of over 200 airports, connecting travelers to various cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, and many others. Major international flights frequently connect China to the rest of the world, along with numerous domestic flights serving regional destinations. Key hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou serve as primary gateways for air travel within mainland China. Additionally, flights to and from Hong Kong and Macau are classified as international.
China is poised to become the largest air travel market globally, surpassing the United States. Currently home to about 235 airports, there is a growing need to expand and upgrade facilities to meet increasing passenger numbers and flight activities. Projections suggest that by 2035, China may require up to 450 airports to accommodate this surge.
