China Unveils Broad Visa-Free Travel Policy in 2025 to Boost Economy and Attract Visitors

Strategic Insights -

China is rolling out a broad visa-free travel policy in 2025 as part of its strategy to boost its economy and attract visitors. This move opens up the country to travellers from around the world, including those from Thailand, who now find it much easier to visit. China's economy has faced some tough times recently, struggling with low growth, higher prices, and job losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • China will introduce a broad visa-free travel policy in 2025, allowing citizens from 28 countries, including Thailand, to stay up to 30 days in the country for tourism, business, family visits or transit.
  • Thai passport holders will benefit from an agreement signed in January 2024, allowing multiple visits, up to a combined 90 days in any 180 days.
  • Five visa-free entry options will be available to travellers, including a 30-day visa-free entry for selected countries, a 15-day visa-free entry for more countries, a 24-hour direct transit, a 72 or 144-hour visa-free transit, and a Hainan Province visa-free entry.
  • Thailand citizens can stay up to six months in China, making return visits possible during that period.
  • China's tourism industry is regaining momentum after the pandemic, with popular cities like Shanghai and Xi'an seeing more activity.
  • The visa-free policy lowers travel barriers and encourages spending, helping communities and giving travellers a warm welcome at good prices.
  • Thai travellers can find affordable options, including return flights from Bangkok to Shanghai or Beijing for as low as 7,000 baht (APS160), and three-star hotels in big cities starting at around 1,500 baht (APS35) per night.

Statistics:

  • China expects to welcome millions of visitors from Thailand in 2025.
  • Thai passport holders can make multiple visits, up to a combined 90 days in any 180 days.
  • 28 countries, including Thailand, will enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry in China.
  • 38 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days between November 2024 and December 2025.
  • 54 countries can stay in China for either 72 or 144 hours while transiting to another country.
  • 59 countries can visit Hainan Province in China with a 30-day visa-free policy.
  • Return flights from Bangkok to Shanghai or Beijing can cost as low as 7,000 baht (APS160) on low-cost airlines, especially in autumn.

Sources:

  • China Unveils Broad Visa-Free Travel Policy in 2025 to Boost Economy and Attract Visitors, [Thai passport holders benefit from an agreement signed in January 2024](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/2138452/thai-passport-holders-to-enjoy-visa-free-travel-in-china&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH0QD1Qr0lwsxybBwF2asdbyNu5ZA)
  • China to introduce 5-year visa-free travel for international tourists, (https://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/2024/01/Chinas-visa-free-policy-for-foreign-tourists)
  • 5 visa-free entry options in China in 2025, (https://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/2025/01/5-visa-free-entry-options-in-China-2025)