Visa-Free Entry to China Now for 74 Countries – Full List

In a major move to revitalize its tourism sector and attract more international visitors, China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to 74 countries, with Azerbaijan set to become the 75th on July 16. The policy allows eligible travelers to enter and stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa, significantly easing travel restrictions and promoting inbound tourism.

The expanded list includes most Western European nations, several countries in Latin America and the Gulf, as well as Malaysia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan. The initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to revive its economy and improve its global image following years of strict COVID-19 border controls.

According to China’s National Immigration Administration, more than 20 million foreign travelers entered the country visa-free in the first half of 2025—double the figure for 2023. This surge reflects growing international interest, particularly from countries included in the new waiver list.

“By extending visa-free access, China is sending a strong message that it is open for business, travel, and cultural exchange,” said Gao Jun, a veteran tour operator in Beijing. “The tourism industry is seeing a wave of renewed demand.”

Luxury travel companies have also reported a substantial uptick in high-end bookings. WildChina, a leading boutique travel firm, noted that its business volume is now 50% above pre-pandemic levels, with a sharp increase in European clientele.

While the new policy covers a broad range of nations, some major countries—such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom—remain outside the 30-day visa-free zone. However, citizens from these countries are eligible for a 10-day visa-free transit if traveling onward to a third destination, provided they enter through one of 60 approved ports.

The majority of the new visa waivers are currently operating under one-year trial periods, leaving room for policy adjustments based on international cooperation and traveler data.

Tourism officials and analysts widely view the move as both an economic necessity and a diplomatic gesture. China's inbound tourism plummeted during the pandemic, with just 13.8 million visitors in 2023 compared to nearly 32 million in 2019.

With this latest policy expansion, China is positioning itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for international tourists, business travelers, and cultural explorers.