Sunday, July 21, 2024 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.
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. 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.
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.” 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 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’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. 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. 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.
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. 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: 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. 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. 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. Foreign travelers from 59 eligible countries can visit Hainan Island without a visa.
These countries include: Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card from the following countries can enjoy visa-free entry to China: Several countries have agreements with China allowing visa-free travel for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits. These countries are: China offers 15-day visa-free travel to citizens of multiple countries. These include: Taiwan offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days to citizens from several countries, including: Taiwan also offers 30-day visa-free entry to citizens from these countries: Special visa exemption for up to 90 days applies to citizens from the following countries, except those with diplomatic or official passports: 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..
