BEIJING – In a significant policy shift aimed at revitalizing tourism and strengthening international engagement, China has expanded its visa-free entry program to citizens of 74 countries, with Azerbaijan set to be added on July 16, 2025, bringing the total to 75.

The program allows eligible travelers to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This move represents China’s most extensive relaxation of entry restrictions since the lifting of its COVID-19 border controls in early 2023.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to stimulate inbound tourism and project a more open and accessible international image. Officials say the expanded visa-free access is expected to further boost foreign arrivals and support the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

Step-by-Step Expansion

On June 1, China introduced visa-free travel for five Latin American countries – Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—on a one-year trial basis through May 31, 2026.

Shortly after, on June 9, visa-free entry was extended to four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. These countries joined Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which already enjoyed similar arrangements.

By early July, the new policy was officially in effect for 74 countries. With Azerbaijan’s inclusion on July 16, the total number of nations whose citizens may enter China visa-free will rise to 75.

Who’s Eligible – and Who Isn’t

The 30-day visa-free entry applies to a wide range of countries. Among them are most European Union member states, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, as well as major economies in the Asia-Pacific region such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. The expanded list also covers several countries in Latin America and the Middle East.

Notably absent from the 30-day visa-free list are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Czech Republic, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia, Mexico, and Lithuania. However, citizens of these countries are eligible for a separate 10-day visa-free transit policy, provided they enter through one of 60 designated Chinese ports and meet certain conditions.

At this time, no major African country is included in China’s visa-free program.

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