Having lived in China for about two months as part of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, I have witnessed a remarkable trend unfolding – the rapid expansion of China’s visa-free entry policies.

Almost every other week brings news of yet another country added to Beijing’s growing list of visa-exempt nations. From leading European economies to neighbouring Southeast Asian states, China is methodically removing travel barriers. This is not merely a post-pandemic reopening – it is a calculated move to deepen global engagement and revitalise international exchanges.

The impact of this policy is evident on the ground.

In Beijing, international terminals that have stood still are bustling once more. Hotels are seeing more foreign guests, and expat communities are abuzz with talk of simplified travel procedures.

Having personally experienced both the stringent visa processes of the past and the current wave of liberalised policies, the contrast is striking – and it speaks volumes about China’s broader diplomatic and economic ambitions.

A strategic rollout of visa-free policies

China’s recent visa-liberalisation drive is no overnight development.

It is the result of a carefully calibrated strategy – one that targets key markets while cautiously laying the groundwork for broader implementation.

The first major step came in late 2023, when China announced a one-year visa-free trial for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Under the scheme, travellers from these countries are allowed to stay in China for up to 15 days for business, tourism, or transit purposes.

Malaysia’s inclusion stood out as particularly significant – a clear recognition of Southeast Asia’s growing economic importance to China.

Since then, the policy scope has expanded steadily.

Early this year, China extended visa-free access to Switzerland and Ireland – two affluent European nations with strong trade links to Beijing. Shortly after, China signed mutual visa-exemption agreements with Singapore and Thailand, further reinforcing regional cooperation.

In parallel, the country broadened its transit visa waiver programme. Travellers from 54 countries can now enjoy visa-free stopovers of up to 144 hours in major Chinese cities – a boon for business travellers and tourists.

ASEAN visa exemption – a new milestone in regional collaboration

The latest, and perhaps most significant, development came just on June 3, when China announced a landmark visa-free policy for all ASEAN member states.

Effective July 1, 2025, citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam (in addition to existing exemptions for Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia) as well as Timor-Leste, which is set to join ASEAN soon, will be allowed to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business and cultural exchange.

This bold initiative underscores China’s deepening commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN, its largest trading partner.

The expanded visa-free access is expected to further boost economic integration, enhance tourism flows, and promote more dynamic people-to-people connections.

Strategically, it aligns with Beijing’s broader vision of advancing multilateral cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment.

Visa-free wave reaches Latin America

In a further expansion of its global outreach, China extended visa-free entry to five Latin American nations, namely Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, starting June 1, 2025.

Under this trial policy, which will run until May 31, 2026, citizens of these countries may stay in China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, cultural exchange, or transit purposes.

This initiative is seen as a strategic move to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with a region rich in resources and growing in geopolitical significance.

By lowering entry barriers, Beijing is sending a clear message that China is open – for trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and global collaboration.

As these policies take full effect, the real test will be whether they translate into sustained economic gains and stronger diplomatic bonds.

While the long-term impact will ultimately depend on whether these policies yield sustained economic benefits and deeper diplomatic engagement, the current momentum is unmistakable. For travellers, investors, and international partners alike, China’s doors have never been more open.

From what I have observed during my time here, it is evident that China is intensifying its efforts toward what it calls “Chinese modernisation” – with a strong focus on opening up to the world and expanding access to global markets.

-- BERNAMA

Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.