China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy Achieves Sixty Percent Growth In International Arrivals In Its First Year, Driving Unstoppable Expansion Of Tourism And Local Economies Nationwide

Published on December 18, 2025

China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy has achieved a remarkable sixty percent growth in international arrivals during its first year, driving an unstoppable expansion of tourism and significantly boosting local economies nationwide. This policy, which allows travelers from 55 eligible countries to stay in China for up to 240 hours without a visa, has opened up new avenues for foreign tourists to explore major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as emerging regional destinations. As a result, the policy has not only led to an influx of international visitors but also contributed billions in tourism revenue, fueling the growth of local businesses, increasing demand for services, and bolstering economic development across the country.

As of December 17, 2025, China marks the first anniversary of its groundbreaking 240-hour visa-free transit policy. This policy, which came into effect on December 17, 2024, has proven to be a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to boost international tourism and enhance its global appeal. Through this policy, travelers from 55 eligible countries can enjoy a seamless entry experience, accessing 65 ports across 24 provinces. The initiative has opened up China’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage to a broader international audience, furthering its ambitions as a top global travel destination.

Policy Overview and Immediate Impact

The introduction of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has resulted in significant changes to the flow of international travelers within China. This policy allows foreign visitors to stay up to 240 hours (or 10 days) without requiring a visa, providing a substantial window for travelers to explore multiple regions across the country. The measure is designed to boost both tourism and business-related travel by making China more accessible to international tourists.

Since the policy’s introduction, the number of foreign nationals entering China has grown impressively. According to the National Immigration Administration, 40.6 million foreign nationals entered China in the year following the policy’s implementation—a 27.2 percent year-on-year increase. More notably, the number of travelers benefiting from the 240-hour visa-free transit option rose by 60.8 percent compared to the period before the policy was optimized.

Popular Domestic Destinations Among Foreign Travelers

China’s major cities have seen the greatest surge in inbound tourism since the policy’s roll-out. Key entry hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have seen exceptional growth in international passenger traffic, with a substantial proportion of travelers utilizing the visa-exemption facility.

Beijing, China’s capital, recorded more than 3.4 million inbound travelers, with 55 percent of them benefiting from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Similarly, Shanghai, one of China’s most internationally recognized cities, received 5.3 million visitors, with 56 percent of these visitors taking advantage of the visa exemption. Guangzhou, another prominent city, processed over 3.2 million foreign visitors, with 57 percent using the visa-free transit option.

These cities, known for their cultural, economic, and historical significance, continue to attract a wide variety of international travelers, including those seeking both leisure and business opportunities.

Regional Growth and Emerging Destinations

While Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are undeniably important in driving inbound travel, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has also had a profound effect on smaller regional airports and destinations across China. Several provinces, particularly those in the central and northeastern parts of the country, have reported substantial increases in foreign arrivals due to the policy.

For instance, the entry-exit border inspection station in Henan Province reported a staggering 118 percent year-on-year increase in the number of visa-exempt foreign nationals. This accounted for 76 percent of all inbound foreign nationals in the region. Similarly, Liaoning Province’s airports saw a 54 percent year-on-year increase in total inbound foreign nationals, with visa-exempt travelers rising by more than 570 percent.

The policy’s positive effects are also evident in cities like Xiamen, where tourism expenditure has soared. From January to October 2025, Xiamen recorded 1.5 million inbound overnight tourists, generating $1.33 billion in tourism revenue—up more than 49 percent year-on-year.

Boosting Tourism and Cultural Exchange

The growth in tourism resulting from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has provided a much-needed boost to China’s tourism industry. With inbound visitors contributing billions in revenue, the country is witnessing not only a rise in tourist numbers but also a notable increase in cultural and tourism consumption. For example, Beijing saw a 48 percent year-on-year increase in tourism spending, reaching 41.7 billion yuan (approximately $5.92 billion) between January and October 2025.

Regional cities have similarly benefited from the influx of international tourists. The increased number of foreign visitors has helped revitalize local economies, promoting local businesses, and generating substantial revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transportation.

The policy has also played a key role in facilitating greater cross-cultural understanding. As foreign visitors experience China’s vast array of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, they have the opportunity to engage with local communities and share authentic stories of their journeys. This not only enriches the traveler’s experience but also acts as a powerful means of cultural diplomacy. By hosting a growing number of international travelers, China can further strengthen its reputation as a welcoming and dynamic travel destination.

The Road Ahead: Continued Growth and Regional Cooperation

As China continues to refine and expand its visa-free transit policies, the country is committed to fostering deeper international cooperation and shared prosperity with other nations. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy serves as a key step in this direction, facilitating easier travel and stronger ties between China and the global community.

Looking ahead, the country is likely to see even greater levels of inbound tourism as more international travelers take advantage of the visa exemption policy. With a broadening array of regional ports embracing the policy, China’s tourism sector is set to experience sustained growth well into 2026 and beyond.

In addition to its role in driving tourism, the policy is expected to have lasting economic and cultural impacts, supporting the development of new tourism products and services in both major metropolitan areas and emerging destinations across China. As travelers continue to flock to this diverse and vibrant country, China’s tourism industry is poised for a bright future, one that embraces the benefits of greater accessibility and cultural exchange.

China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy has driven a sixty percent growth in international arrivals in its first year, boosting tourism and fueling economic growth across major cities and emerging regional destinations. By simplifying travel and increasing visitor numbers, the policy has provided a significant boost to local businesses and contributed to the nation’s broader economic expansion.

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy, launched one year ago, has proven to be a transformative initiative for China’s tourism sector. With a significant increase in foreign travelers and sustained growth in cultural and tourism consumption, China has solidified its position as a top travel destination for international visitors. As the country continues to open its doors to the world, the growth of inbound tourism is expected to accelerate, contributing to both China’s economy and its global reputation as a hub for cultural exchange and exploration.