China pursues a strategy of easing entry formalities to boost its tourism sectorstill below pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the country welcomed just 35.5 million foreign visitors, around 36% of the 97.7 million recorded in 2019. The expansion of the visa waiver program is intended to facilitate travel to China and stimulate the recovery of inbound tourism.
Visa waiver countries
Over the past year, China has gradually extended its visa waiver program to new countries. In November 2023, a one-year trial was launched for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.. In March 2024, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg joined the program.
Australia and New Zealand have recently joined the list.. Nationals of these 14 countries - France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia and New Zealand - can now stay in China visa-free for 15 daysWhether for tourism, business, family visits or transit.
China has also signed mutual visa exemption agreements with Singapore and Thailand, allowing visa-free stays of up to 30 days per entry.
| Country | Maximum duration without visa |
|---|---|
| France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand | 15 days |
| Singapore, Thailand | 30 days per entry |
Source : Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Other easing measures
In addition to visa exemption, China has taken other measures to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists. For U.S. citizens on tourist visits, the need to provide proof of round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, itineraries or letters of invitation has been abolished.
Regulations have also been relaxed for cruise passengers, who can now stay in China for 15 days without a visa since May 15, 2024.
Partnerships with international payment systems
To enhance the experience of foreign tourists, China has strengthened its partnerships with major payment organizations such as Ant Group And Mastercard. The "International Consumer Friendly Zones" was launched in Shanghai in collaboration with 12 Alipay+ payment partners and other major international card companies, with the aim of facilitating transactions for travelers worldwide.
In the first quarter of 2024, China issued 466,000 visas and documents to foreigners, up 119% on the same period in 2023. At the same time, nearly 1.99 million foreigners entered China without a visa, up 266% year-on-year.
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español