China Expands Visa-Free Access to Six More Countries to Boost Tourism

China will expand its visa waiver policy to include six additional countries starting June 1, aiming to further stimulate inbound tourism.

Under a reciprocal agreement with Uzbekistan, citizens of both countries will be allowed visa-free stays of up to 30 days per visit, not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry also announced a one-year trial granting visa-free entry to passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Eligible travelers may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit.

Travel demand from these nations has been rising sharply. According to Trip.com, bookings from Argentina have surged 168% year-on-year since January, while those from Brazil and Chile have increased by over 80%.

However, limited direct flight options remain a hurdle. Travel platform Qunar reports that direct flights from São Paulo to Beijing are only available in June, with most routes from Brazil requiring two to three layovers and starting at CNY 6,000 (approximately USD 830).

Another challenge is the language barrier. As inbound tourism grows, demand for multilingual services is increasing. While English often suffices, the influx of visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds highlights the need for improved foreign language training and recruitment in the tourism sector.