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Wang Yu, chairman of Spring Airlines and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, has called for policymakers to enhance China’s visa-free policies in order to attract more international travelers.
He emphasized that, while maintaining national security and border controls, China should broaden its list of visa-exempt countries and extend the allowable duration of stays. Wang pointed out that compared to neighboring nations, China’s visa-free rules are relatively strict. For example, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand offer visa-free stays ranging from 21 to 90 days for travelers from Europe and the US, which has significantly affected tourist numbers heading to China.
Currently, China grants visa-free entry to citizens from 50 countries unilaterally and has reciprocal agreements with 29 nations, generally allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit. Additionally, travelers from 55 countries can enjoy a 240-hour transit visa exemption.
Wang proposed easing entry and exit restrictions at ports for travelers using visa-free transit options. He advocates increasing the number of train, highway, and water ports between China and neighboring countries to simplify travel. Presently, only 65 designated ports facilitate transit to third countries, a limitation that complicates logistics for travelers, airlines, and travel operators.
He also suggested that Chinese authorities actively promote visa-free and transit policies through global social media platforms, as many foreigners remain unaware of these options. Wang further proposed launching an “Inbound Tourism Content Creator Support Program,” aiming to encourage social media influencers to share their Australian experiences and highlight the convenience of traveling to China, thereby attracting more young visitors.
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