China Sees Surge in Foreign Tourists as Easier Visa Rules Take Effect
China is slowly drawing international travellers back. The change is noticeable. And this is happening because of the country’s increasingly relaxed visa policies. The country has been opening its doors wider to foreign travellers, making entry simpler and faster.
Recent data shows a strong recovery in inbound travel. In 2025, China recorded about 82 million foreign entries. Out of these, more than 30 million travellers entered without a visa. That’s a significant share – roughly 73% of total foreign arrivals.
The growth has been quick. Visa-free arrivals alone jumped nearly 50% compared to the previous year. And the trend is continuing. In just one quarter of 2025, almost 7.25 million foreigners visited China under free visa schemes. That’s a rise of approximately 48% year-on-year.
Several policy changes led to this surge. China has expanded unilateral visa-free access to dozens of countries. At the same time, reciprocal agreements now cover many others. Furthermore, transit visa-free programs have been loosened as well. Travellers from multiple nations can stay for up to 10 days without a visa while passing through.
Getting in has also become less of a hassle. Airports are moving faster. Digital arrival cards have been introduced. So, travellers spend less time filling out forms and more time heading out of the terminal. It may sound like a small upgrade, but after a long flight, this feels less of a hasty process.
And it’s not only tourists showing up. Business travellers are coming back too. Trade fairs and global events are picking up pace again. That means busier hotels and fuller flights. Tunz Travel assists you with applying for a China visa from Dubai through an easy process and fast turnaround time.
China extended its visa-free travel policy for 45 countries in 2025 – Europe, South America, and the Gulf region, along with Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, until the end of 2026.
There’s still progress to be made, but the shift is already visible. Easier entry rules are opening the door wider, and the world is stepping in.
