Visa-free travel to China saw a significant surge in 2024, more than doubling from the previous year, according to the latest data. Beijing has pledged to continue easing its rules for foreign visitors as part of efforts to boost international tourism.
In 2024, 20.1 million foreign travelers were granted visa-free entry, marking a 112.3% increase compared to 2023, based on figures from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) released on Tuesday.
NIA spokesperson Lu Ning stated that the influx of foreign visitors to China had risen notably over the past year, thanks to ongoing travel policy relaxations. These included short-term visa-free transit and unilateral visa exemptions for citizens of numerous countries.
The release of this data comes just a day after China’s State Council, the country’s cabinet, revealed plans to further streamline inbound travel policies. The initiatives are part of an 18-point strategy aimed at revitalizing consumption amid China’s struggle to recover its post-Covid economy.
According to the State Council, China will “expand the scope of unilateral visa exemptions” in a controlled manner and consider extending the duration of visa-free stays to attract more foreign visitors. These moves are in line with China’s broader economic recovery efforts.
