Foreign visits to China surged in the third quarter of 2025, with nearly 7.25 million foreign nationals entering under the country’s special visa-free policy, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). This figure represents a 48.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
In total, Chinese immigration authorities processed over 20.13 million foreign visitors, marking a 22.3% year-on-year rise. Of these, visa-free entries accounted for an impressive 72.2% of all inbound foreign visits, reflecting the growing appeal of China’s streamlined travel policies.
During the same quarter, 584,000 visas were issued to foreign nationals. Overall, immigration authorities recorded 178 million inbound and outbound travellers, up 12.9% year-on-year, highlighting a robust rebound in cross-border movement.
China’s visa facilitation policies now cover tourists from 76 countries under unilateral or mutual visa-free arrangements. Additionally, citizens of 55 countries can enjoy transit visa exemptions for up to 10 days, allowing short-term visits before travelling to a third destination.
The National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday also witnessed a strong rise in inbound tourism, driven by these visa relaxations and a diverse range of cultural and tourism activities across the country.
Experts note that China’s expanding visa-free framework not only strengthens tourism but also enhances people-to-people exchanges and global connectivity, positioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for international travellers.
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