China has dramatically streamlined global travel access under its 14th Five-Year Plan, with new policies making cross-border movement easier for both international visitors and its own citizens. Immigration authorities announced Wednesday that the country now offers unilateral visa-free entry or mutual visa exemption agreements with 75 countries, while expanding visa-free transit eligibility to 55 nations.
Inbound Travel Revolutionized
International travelers can now enjoy visa-free transit stays of up to 240 hours at 60 designated entry ports across 24 provincial-level regions. This expansion comes as China seeks to strengthen cultural exchanges and economic partnerships through enhanced mobility.
Outbound Travel Surges
Chinese citizens have obtained over 300 million entry-exit documents since 2021, with valid ordinary passports exceeding 160 million. Passport holders can now visit more than 90 countries and regions visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges, propelling China's passport mobility ranking from 72nd to 60th globally.
These developments signal China's commitment to fostering international connectivity, offering new opportunities for business collaboration, academic exchange, and cultural tourism across Asia and beyond.
