Increased Foreign Visitor Arrivals in China at Mid-Year 2025

In the first half of 2025, data released by China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) revealed a significant uptick in the number of international travelers, indicating a 30.2% increase in total trips to 38.05 million compared to the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to the easing of visa requirements, particularly through the expansion of visa-free travel options, which saw 13.64 million visa-free entries—a remarkable 53.9% increase from the same timeframe in the prior year.

The NIA's spokesperson, Lyu Ning, noted that China's ongoing efforts to simplify visa processes have been pivotal in attracting more foreign visitors for both tourism and business purposes. Recent agreements for mutual visa exemptions with Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Azerbaijan, along with unilateral exemptions extended to nine additional nations including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, have made it easier for travelers to enter China. The newly enacted agreement with Azerbaijan allows citizens to travel without a visa for up to 30 days, with a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.

Additionally, citizens from 55 countries, including those from the United States and Canada, can travel to China visa-free for transit purposes for up to ten days. These comprehensive policy adjustments have not only simplified travel into China but have also sparked increased interest in the nation, particularly visible in the rise of travel content shared on platforms like YouTube.

As the summer travel season began, foreign passport holders were seen flocking to China, drawn by the nation's rich and varied cultural landscape. American tourist Abigail Mueller encapsulated this sentiment, expressing her desire to return to China for a deeper exploration of its diverse regions and customs. Having previously traveled to notable sites in Chengdu and Xi'an, she emphasized her eagerness to embrace Chinese culture and the opportunities for learning it presents.

Overall, from January to June, China's immigration authorities managed 333 million trips, reflecting a 15.8% annual increase. This ongoing commitment to enhancing service efficiency and openness exemplifies China's intention to attract more international visitors in the future.