In recent years, China has continuously expanded its visa-free policy, demonstrating its commitment to promoting international exchange and global trade. The ongoing optimization of the China visa-free policy and China expands visa-free access initiatives not only facilitates international travel but also injects new vitality into the global economy. Recently, China announced further expansion of its visa-free program, implementing a trial run for several Latin American and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, further highlighting China’s determination to advance high-level opening up.
A New Era of Visa-Free Travel for Latin America and GCC Countries
Starting June 1, 2025, travelers holding ordinary passports from five Latin American countries—Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. This marks the first time China’s unilateral visa-free policy covers Latin American and Caribbean countries, signifying the deepening cooperation between China and the Latin American region. Following this, a visa-free policy trial for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain commenced on June 9th. Combined with the existing visa-free agreements with the UAE and Qatar, China has now achieved full visa-free coverage for all GCC countries. This initiative strengthens ties between China and the GCC nations and creates more favorable conditions for advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, which can greatly benefit international freight logistics and global shipping to China.
Increased Number of Visa-Free Countries, Greater Opening Up
As of now, including Spain, a total of 47 countries enjoy China’s unilateral visa-free policy. Holders of ordinary passports from these countries, whether traveling to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, academic exchanges, or transit, can enter without a visa for stays up to 30 days. The continuous optimization of the China visa-free policy and the expansion of visa-free access to China greatly facilitates international travel and reflects China’s firm resolve to build an open world economy. This open policy boosts China cross-border trade significantly.
“Travel to China” Continues to Rise in Popularity
The benefits of the visa-free policy have directly fueled the “Travel to China” boom. In 2024, the total number of foreigners entering China reached 32.35 million, an 80.8% year-on-year increase, with those entering under the unilateral visa-free policy accounting for over 10%. In the first quarter of this year, the number of foreigners entering China increased by over 40% year-on-year. During the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday, over 230,000 people entered China visa-free within three days, a nearly 60% increase year-on-year. These figures demonstrate that more and more international tourists are choosing China as their travel destination.
From “Travel to China” to “Shop in China”
The popular tip on overseas social media platforms, “Be sure to bring an empty suitcase to China!”, vividly illustrates the allure of “Shop in China.” In addition to its rich tourism resources, China also attracts tourists worldwide with its diverse range of products and convenient shopping experience. From trendy tech gadgets like tablets and smart AI glasses to traditional Chinese clothing like Hanfu and Qipao, foreign tourists can find something they love in China. The “tourism + shopping” model allows foreign tourists to experience the vitality of the Chinese economy and its open posture firsthand.
Breaking Through Information Bubbles, Experiencing the Real China
Through “Travel to China” and “Shop in China”, foreign tourists not only appreciate China’s magnificent landscapes and experience its profound culture, but also personally witness the safety, openness, and modernization of Chinese society. They interact with friendly and inclusive Chinese people, break through information bubbles, remove tinted lenses, and gain a more comprehensive and authentic understanding of China.
China’s Open Door Widens Further
As President Xi Jinping emphasized, China’s open door will not be closed, and will only open wider. In the future, China will continue to expand high-level opening up, optimize entry policies, further broaden the scope of visa-free access to China, and provide higher-quality products, more diverse consumption scenarios, and more convenient service guarantees to people from all countries. With greater openness and deeper cooperation, China will share the opportunities of prosperity and development with the world.
For those living in Spain, now is the perfect time to experience a “Trip to China.” Take advantage of the China visa-free policy, direct flights, convenient mobile payment options, and tax refund services for a spontaneous trip, savor Chinese cuisine, experience Chinese culture, and embrace the real and vibrant China!
