China's Inbound Tourism Surges by 35.8% at Start of 2026 Amid Expanded Visa-Free Policies

Visa-Free Policies Drive Significant Influx

China has reported a substantial increase in inbound tourism at the beginning of 2026, primarily driven by its expanded visa-free policies. During the three-day New Year holiday, the country saw a remarkable 35.8% rise in visa-free foreign visitors compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights the effectiveness of Beijing's strategic efforts to re-engage with the global travel market.

According to statistics released by the Ministry of Public Security on January 18, a total of 829,000 foreign nationals crossed China's borders during the New Year holiday. Of these, approximately 292,000 entered under one of China's growing visa-exemption schemes.

Policy Extensions and Beneficiary Nations

The significant increase follows China's decision in late 2025 to extend its unilateral 15- and 30-day visa waivers for citizens of more than 45 countries until December 31, 2026. This extension covers a wide range of nations, including those from Europe, Asia, and South America, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit. Employment activities, however, remain strictly prohibited under this regime.

Key additions and extensions to the visa-free list include:

• Sweden: Eligible for 30-day visa-free stays from November 10, 2025, through December 31, 2026.
• Russia: Granted visa-free entry from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, for up to 30 days.
• Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain: These nations are also among those benefiting from expanded visa-free access.

In addition to the unilateral waivers, China has also enlarged its 240-hour (10-day) transit-without-visa policy to 65 ports, benefiting travelers from 55 eligible countries.

Impact on Tourism and Economic Recovery

The expanded visa-free program is a cornerstone of China's strategy to revitalize inbound travel and strengthen international partnerships. The initial data for 2026 suggests a faster-than-expected recovery for China's inbound tourism sector. Analysts from Ctrip Research anticipate total foreign arrivals to reach 38 million in 2026, representing 60% of the 2019 peak.

The policy has also encouraged tourists to explore beyond traditional gateways like Beijing and Shanghai. Online travel platforms indicate that non-Chinese passport holders booked flights to 97 mainland cities during the New Year break, with secondary destinations such as Chengdu, Xi'an, and Guilin gaining popularity. Regions like Hainan have particularly benefited, with a 64% leap in visa-free foreign visitors in January 2026. Harbin also saw an increase of over 70% in inbound tourists during the first week of 2026, influenced by events like the 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.

To accommodate the influx, airports and local tourism boards have implemented measures such as multilingual signage, overseas-card payment terminals, and chatbot-based visitor services. This strategic tourism reset positions China as a more accessible and welcoming destination, aiming to boost both tourism and broader international engagement.