To address its economic downturn and the decline in foreign investment, China has introduced unilateral visa-free policies to attract more foreign visitors. This initiative began with several European countries in December 2023.
Starting June 1, 2025, China has for the first time extended its visa-free policy to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, granting visa exemptions to holders of ordinary passports from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, citizens of these five countries may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit.
With this expansion, a total of 43 countries are now eligible for China’s unilateral visa-free entry policy.
In addition, China recently launched an “ASEAN Visa” program targeting the 10 ASEAN member states and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste. Under this initiative, eligible business travelers from these 11 countries, along with their spouses and children, may apply for a five-year multiple-entry visa, with a maximum stay of up to 180 days per visit.
Sources:
1. Xinhua, June 2, 2025
http://www.news.cn/mrdx/20250602/1768df32d30f4fa39dd2e4c8f33bd7fc/c.html
2. Guancha, June 6, 2025
https://www.guancha.cn/qiche/2025_06_06_778453.shtml