During a regular press conference on February 12, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced that China will continue expanding its visa-free entry policy, allowing more international travelers to experience its rich culture and hospitality. Guo emphasized that China remains committed to optimizing its entry policies, reinforcing its open, trustworthy, and welcoming position.
This announcement follows a recent policy update, effective February 10, which grants visa-free entry to ASEAN tourist groups traveling to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. The move is part of a broader effort to facilitate cross-border travel and strengthen economic and cultural exchanges.
Spring Festival Sees Increased Foreign Visitor Arrivals
Guo highlighted that this year's Spring Festival holiday saw a significant increase in inbound tourism. China welcomed over 3.43 million visitors from 175 countries and regions, reflecting a 6.2% year-on-year growth. He noted that experiencing Chinese New Year traditions has become an emerging travel trend among international visitors, with many eager to "check-in" at cultural landmarks and immerse themselves in local festivities.
To further enhance foreign tourists' experience, China has streamlined digital payment systems, ensuring seamless transactions for international visitors. Over the Spring Festival period, cross-border payment transactions via China UnionPay and NetsUnion grew by 124.54%, with the total transaction value increasing by 90.49%.
China Enhancing Travel Convenience with Expanded Visa-Free Access
Guo emphasized that China has implemented a range of supportive measures alongside its visa-free policies to improve the overall travel experience for international visitors. These initiatives include faster border clearance, enhanced multilingual services, and improved access to accommodation, dining, and sightseeing options. Additionally, China is piloting an "instant tax refund" system to facilitate more efficient departure procedures.
China has introduced over 110 travel facilitation measures, granted unilateral visa-free access to travelers from 38 countries, and implemented a 240-hour visa-free transit policy in select regions. These policies underscore China's commitment to high-level global engagement and its dedication to fostering an open international economy.
Looking ahead, China will continue refining its entry policies and expand visa-free access to more countries, ensuring that an increasing number of international travelers can experience China's hospitality, cultural heritage, and economic opportunities.
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