China has significantly widened its doors to the world by announcing the resumption of visa-free entry for Japanese citizens and adding eight other countries to its visa-waiver program. The move marks a major step in Beijing’s efforts to revitalize its tourism sector and strengthen international business exchanges amid a slowing economy. This latest policy update, effective from November 30, 2024, allows ordinary passport holders from these nations to enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, or transit.
The announcement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry extends the visa-free policy to December 31, 2025. Alongside Japan, the new additions include Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, and Latvia. This expansion brings the total number of countries enjoying unilateral visa-free access to China to 38, signaling a determined push to facilitate cross-border travel and attract foreign investment.
Major Policy Shift Targets Economic Revitalization
This decision represents a pivotal moment in China’s post-pandemic recovery strategy. By removing bureaucratic hurdles for short-term visitors, Beijing aims to accelerate the return of international travelers. The inclusion of Japan is particularly significant given the deep economic ties and high volume of business travel between the two Asian powerhouses. Japanese business leaders have long lobbied for the resumption of the waiver, which was suspended during the pandemic, to streamline corporate operations and trade negotiations.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted that the policy is designed to “further facilitate cross-border travel” and promote high-standard opening up. The 15-day visa-free stay allows ample time for business meetings, factory inspections, and leisure travel, addressing key pain points for international executives who previously faced lengthy visa application processes.
China is aggressively dismantling barriers to entry to signal that it is open for business.
Economists view this as a clear message that China is prioritizing practical economic engagement over diplomatic friction. The unilateral nature of the policy underscores Beijing’s urgency in restoring inbound travel numbers, which have lagged behind domestic tourism recovery since borders reopened.
Expanding Access Across Europe and Asia
The addition of eight European nations to the list demonstrates China’s strategic focus on broadening its diplomatic and economic footprint across the continent. Previously, China had granted visa-free access to major European economies like France, Germany, and Italy. The expansion to include Baltic and Balkan states indicates a desire to foster deeper ties with a wider array of European Union and non-EU members.
Eligible Countries for New Visa-Waiver:
- Asia: Japan
- Eastern/Southern Europe: Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia
- Baltics/Mediterranean: Estonia, Latvia, Malta
Travelers from these nations can now plan spontaneous trips without the administrative burden of obtaining a visa at a consulate. This ease of access is expected to boost flight bookings and hotel occupancies in major commercial hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Airlines are already responding by planning increased flight frequencies to accommodate the anticipated surge in demand for the coming year.
Boosting Tourism and People-to-People Exchanges
Beyond business, the policy is a direct play to revive China’s inbound tourism market. Before the pandemic, international tourism was a significant contributor to the service sector. By simplifying entry, China hopes to attract leisure travelers interested in its rich cultural heritage and modern metropolises. The 15-day window is ideal for tour groups and independent travelers looking to explore the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, or the bunds of Shanghai.
Trip.com Group, China’s largest online travel agency, reported a spike in search interest from the newly added countries immediately following the announcement. Industry analysts predict a double-digit increase in arrival numbers from these regions in the first quarter of 2025.
“Simplifying entry procedures is the most effective way to welcome the world back. This move will not only bring tourists but also foster the cultural exchanges that are vital for long-term understanding.”
The policy also benefits Chinese citizens by potentially encouraging reciprocal visa-easing measures from other nations. While the current waiver is unilateral, diplomatic sources suggest Beijing hopes this goodwill gesture will lead to easier travel for Chinese nationals abroad in the future.
Global Context and Future Outlook
While the expansion is extensive, notably absent from the visa-free list are major Western nations like the United States and Canada. Relations with these countries remain complex due to trade disputes and diplomatic tensions. However, the inclusion of key US allies like Japan and various NATO members suggests a pragmatic approach where economic interests are taking precedence in specific corridors.
For countries not on the visa-free list, China continues to optimize its 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policies. These allow travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, to enter specific regions for short stays if they have a connecting ticket to a third country. This transit policy remains a popular option for travelers looking to make a quick stopover without a full visa.
The extension of the policy through the end of 2025 provides stability and predictability for international travel planners. It allows multinational corporations to schedule annual conferences and client visits with confidence. As China continues to navigate its economic transition, these open-door policies serve as a critical tool in integrating with the global market and dispelling concerns about isolationism.
