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China is making significant strides to bolster its tourism sector by expanding its visa-free travel policy. In a recent announcement, China has included Australia in its list of countries eligible for visa-free entry, following a similar announcement for New Zealand. This move is part of China’s broader effort to rejuvenate its tourism industry and foster stronger international ties.

Visa-Free Travel: A New Era for Australian and New Zealand Tourists

The decision to include Australia and New Zealand in China’s visa-free list is expected to enhance bilateral tourism and economic exchanges. As of the announcement, Australian and New Zealand travelers can enter China without the need for a visa, simplifying travel logistics and encouraging more spontaneous and extended visits.

This policy change comes at a pivotal moment as the global tourism industry rebounds from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For countries like Australia and New Zealand, which have robust travel cultures, the visa-free access to China opens up new avenues for tourism and cultural exchange.

Surge in Interest Following the Announcement

The impact of China’s visa-free policy was immediate. According to Trip.com, searches for China-related travel keywords by New Zealand tourists surged by 65% the day after the announcement. This spike in interest reflects the appeal of easier access to China’s diverse and rich cultural landscapes.

Chinese tourists are also showing a renewed interest in visiting New Zealand. With the easing of travel restrictions, air ticket bookings from China to New Zealand have more than doubled year-on-year. Popular destinations such as Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, and Wellington have seen tourism product bookings triple compared to the previous year. This reciprocal increase in tourism highlights the potential for significant economic benefits for both countries.

The Growth of Inbound Tourism in China

China’s efforts to expand its visa-free policy are part of a broader strategy to revitalize its inbound tourism sector. Data from the National Immigration Administration indicate that in the first quarter of 2024, the number of foreigners entering China tripled compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, tourism accounted for over 30% of these entries, underscoring the growing appeal of China as a travel destination.

This surge in inbound tourists has led to increased demand for foreign-language tour guides and enhanced tourism services. In cities like Chengdu, the demand for private tours and small group experiences has grown significantly. These personalized tours offer a deeper dive into Chinese culture and daily life, catering to the preferences of foreign visitors who seek more than just a typical sightseeing experience.

CEO at Travel and Tour World, Mr. Anup Keshan, says, “The timing of this announcement is crucial, as the global tourism sector rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. For Australia and New Zealand, known for their vibrant travel cultures, this visa-free access opens new pathways for tourism and cultural exchange. The decision is expected to boost bilateral tourism and economic interactions, benefiting both travelers and the local economies in China.”

Enhancing Tourist Experiences for a Better Experience

To accommodate the rising number of international tourists, China has implemented various measures to enhance visitor convenience. One notable initiative is the introduction of the Shanghai Pass, a multipurpose prepaid travel card designed to facilitate easy payments for tourists. This card, which can hold a maximum balance of 1,000 yuan (about $140 USD), can be used for public transportation, cultural venues, and shopping.

Additionally, Tencent’s update to WeChat Pay now supports foreign mobile phone numbers and bank cards, making it easier for international travelers to engage in cashless transactions. These enhancements reflect China’s commitment to creating a more foreigner-friendly environment and improving the overall travel experience for visitors.

China’s Standing in Global Tourism

China’s proactive approach to tourism development has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, China ranks eighth globally in promoting tourism development, making it the only developing economy in the top ten. This ranking underscores China’s success in creating a supportive environment for tourism and its potential to continue growing as a major destination for international travelers.

China Expands Visa-Free Travel to Boost Tourism from Key Markets

China’s recent expansion of its visa-free travel policy to include Australia and New Zealand complements its existing visa-free arrangements with 14 other countries. These nations—San Marino, Mauritius, Seychelles, Bahamas, Fiji, Grenada, Ecuador, Tonga, Serbia, Barbados, United Arab Emirates, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, and Qatar—are significantly contributing to China’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Boosting Tourism from Visa-Free Countries

The inclusion of these countries in China’s visa-free list has already led to a marked increase in tourist arrivals. Nations like Mauritius and Seychelles have seen a surge in visitor numbers to China, driven by growing interest in cultural exchanges and business opportunities. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with their well-established air connectivity, have become key sources of high-spending tourists seeking both leisure and luxury experiences in China.

From the Caribbean, countries like the Bahamas, Barbados, and Grenada are sending increasing numbers of tourists eager to explore China’s rich historical sites and modern attractions. Similarly, tourists from Fiji and Tonga are finding China’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage particularly appealing.

Economic Impact

This influx of tourists from visa-free countries is providing a substantial boost to China’s travel market, supporting local economies, and fostering international goodwill. As China continues to ease travel restrictions and enhance its tourism infrastructure, the economic and cultural ties with these nations are expected to deepen, further solidifying China’s status as a top global tourist destination.

China’s decision to expand its visa-free policy to include Australia and New Zealand is a significant step towards boosting tourism and strengthening international ties. As the country continues to enhance its tourist services and infrastructure, it positions itself as an increasingly attractive destination for global travelers. The reciprocal increase in tourism between China and these countries signals a promising future for economic and cultural exchange.

China’s Role in Global Tourism Development

As the world moves towards greater connectivity and accessibility, China’s efforts to promote visa-free travel underscore its role as a leader in global tourism development. By welcoming more visitors and providing a supportive travel environment, China is set to thrive as a premier destination for tourists from around the world.

China has varied Visa policies, making transit hassle-free

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, foreign travelers from 54 eligible countries can obtain a six-day entry permit upon arrival at specific Chinese cities. To qualify, travelers must possess a passport from one of these countries and present a ticket for onward travel to a third country. This policy offers a convenient option for those wishing to explore China briefly during a stopover.

The 54 eligible countries are categorized as follows:

• 25 Schengen Area countries: Estonia, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Germany, France, Iceland, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Norway, Malta, Slovakia, Austria, Luxembourg, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Hungary, Switzerland, Latvia.
• 15 other European countries: Serbia, Monaco, Albania, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Kingdom, Romania, Croatia, Ireland, Ukraine, Macedonia, Montenegro, Belarus, Cyprus, Bulgaria.
• There are six countries in the Americas: Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, United States, Brazil.
• There are two countries in Oceania: New Zealand, Australia.
• Six Asian countries: Japan, Brunei, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, United Arab Emirates.

Travelers must enter through one of the 37 designated ports and are restricted to specific areas within China. Exiting through non-designated ports or traveling outside the permitted areas can result in penalties.

72-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Travelers from the 54 eligible countries for the 144-hour permit can also take advantage of the 72-hour visa-free transit policy. However, only three entry ports currently offer this option: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, Harbin Taiping International Airport, and Changsha Huanghua International Airport.

Travelers entering through Guilin and Harbin must remain within the respective cities, while those entering through Changsha can travel throughout Hunan Province. The same requirements and restrictions as the 144-hour permit apply to the 72-hour entry permit.

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

International travelers transiting through China can apply for a 24-hour visa-free entry permit upon arrival, except those exempted due to special circumstances. As with other visa-free policies, travelers must provide a connecting ticket to a third country. During their 24-hour stay, they must remain within the city of arrival and depart within 24 hours.

Hainan Island Visa-Free Travel

Foreign travelers from 59 eligible countries can visit Hainan Island without a visa. These countries include:

• Hainan Island: Albania, United Arab Emirates, Austria, North Macedonia, Canada, Indonesia, Mexico, Brunei, Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Philippines, Cyprus, Malta, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Russia, Hungary, Belarus, Greece, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Croatia, France, Spain, Norway, Netherlands, United States, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Serbia, Iceland, Monaco, Slovenia, Republic of Korea, Poland, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Ukraine, Montenegro, United Kingdom, Singapore, Portugal, Chile, Qatar, Argentina.

APEC Business Card

Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card from the following countries can enjoy visa-free entry to China:

• APEC Business Card: Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia.

30-Day Visa-Free Travel

Several countries have agreements with China allowing visa-free travel for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits. These countries are:

• 30-day visa-free travel: Armenia, Grenada, Belarus, Bahamas, Dominica, Seychelles, Barbados, United Arab Emirates, Serbia, San Marino, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius, Maldives, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

15-Day Visa-Free Travel

China offers 15-day visa-free travel to citizens of multiple countries. These include:

• 15-day visa-free travel: Ireland, Australia, Brunei, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Hungary, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand, Malaysia, Spain.

Taiwan 90-Day Visa-Free

Taiwan offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days to citizens from several countries, including:

• Taiwan 90-day visa-free: Andorra, Germany, Tuvalu, Cyprus, Paraguay, Vatican City, New Zealand, Haiti, Greece, Ireland, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Hungary, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Italy, Israel, Finland, Croatia, Estonia, Romania, Poland, Marshall Islands, Norway, Portugal, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Republic of Korea, Austria, Canada, Slovakia, Australia, Monaco, United Kingdom, Malta, Chile, Guatemala, Sweden, San Marino, Latvia, United States, Japan, Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic, Eswatini, Lithuania, Palau.

Taiwan 30-Day Visa-Free

Taiwan also offers 30-day visa-free entry to citizens from these countries:

• Taiwan 30-day visa-free: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Nauru, Belize, Malaysia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, Saint Lucia.

Taiwan 90-Day Special

Special visa exemption for up to 90 days applies to citizens from the following countries, except those with diplomatic or official passports:

• Taiwan 90-day special: Honduras, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua.

Top 5 Airports in China

1. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) – Serving as a major aviation hub in southern China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, often branded as BAIYUNPORT, connects to numerous international and domestic destinations. It is the primary airport for Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province. Baiyun Airport serves as a key hub for China Southern Airlines, FedEx Express, 9 Air, Hainan Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines. In 2023, it ranked as the world’s twelfth-busiest airport by passenger traffic, handling 63.1 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in China.
2. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) – Situated near Hong Kong, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is a crucial gateway for both domestic and international travel. It is one of the three largest airports serving the Pearl River Delta, alongside Hong Kong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The airport offers direct ferry routes to Hong Kong International Airport, allowing passengers to transit without going through immigration and customs checks. In 2023, Shenzhen Bao’an handled 52,734,934 passengers.
3. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – Located in the capital city, Beijing Capital International Airport is one of two international airports serving Beijing (the other being Beijing Daxing International Airport). It is the busiest airport in China and a major hub for both international and domestic flights. In 2023, the airport handled 52.9 million passengers, reflecting a 316% year-on-year increase.
4. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – As a vital international gateway, Shanghai Pudong International Airport serves as a major hub for flights to Europe, North America, and Asia. It plays a crucial role in connecting Shanghai to global destinations.
5. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) – A key hub in western China, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport offers extensive domestic routes and is expanding its international connections. It serves as a significant airport for the region, supporting the growing demand for air travel.

Top 5 Airlines in China

1. China Southern Airlines – As the largest airline in China, China Southern Airlines boasts the highest number of passengers and the most extensive fleet. Based in Guangzhou, Guangdong, it is a key player in both domestic and international travel, with 142 million passengers in 2023.
2. China Eastern Airlines – Headquartered in Changning, Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines is one of China’s leading carriers. It connects major Chinese cities with destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. Its main hubs are at Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airports, making it the second largest airline in China by passenger volume.
3. Air China – The national flag carrier, Air China Limited, operates from its headquarters in Shunyi, Beijing. As a member of the Star Alliance since 2007, it offers extensive domestic and international services, representing the People’s Republic of China on a global scale.
4. Hainan Airlines – Renowned for its excellent service, Hainan Airlines connects numerous domestic locations with international destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America, maintaining a reputation for high-quality travel experiences.
5. Shenzhen Airlines – Based in Shenzhen, this airline focuses on domestic routes while expanding its international reach. As a member of the Star Alliance, it plays a significant role in China’s aviation market with extensive route options.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels in China

1. Waldorf Astoria Beijing – Renowned for its exceptional luxury and exemplary service, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing offers an unparalleled experience in the bustling heart of Beijing.
2. The Peninsula Shanghai – Exemplifying timeless elegance and impeccable service, The Peninsula Shanghai is a preferred destination for luxury travelers in Shanghai.
3. Hotel Éclat Beijing – Distinguished by its unique design and personalized guest experiences, Hotel Éclat Beijing stands out as a top hotel in China.
4. Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou – Acclaimed for its contemporary luxury and outstanding service, the Mandarin Oriental in Guangzhou provides a refined and comfortable stay.
5. Banyan Tree Lijiang – Famous for its breathtaking location and tranquil ambiance, Banyan Tree Lijiang offers a luxurious escape in the historic city of Lijiang.

In July 2024, China announced a significant expansion of its visa-free travel policy, now allowing citizens from Australia, New Zealand, and Poland to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. This strategic move aims to enhance tourism and foster stronger international relationships as China continues its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The visa-free access applies to various purposes, including tourism, business, and visiting family, simplifying travel logistics and encouraging more spontaneous visits.

This policy is part of a broader initiative to increase inbound tourism and cultural exchanges, reflecting China’s commitment to revitalizing its economy and strengthening ties with key nations. The visa-free policy for these countries will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, further solidifying China’s position as an accessible destination for international travelers.