Russia prolongs mutual visa-free regime with China to 2027
China Logs 22.9 Million Foreign Visits in H1 2026 as Visa-Free Travel Drives Record Growth
China Southern and Uzbekistan Airways sign codeshare linking Tashkent with four Chinese cities
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Foreign Ministry notes 77.7 % of inbound visitors now enter China visa-free
China’s Foreign Ministry says more than three-quarters of 2026 H1 foreign arrivals entered visa-free, crediting new 240-hour transit rules and wider unilateral waivers. Businesses should reassess whether staff still need traditional visas, as visa-free channels become the norm.
Juneyao Air ramps up Shanghai-Athens and Shanghai-Manchester frequencies
Juneyao Air is lifting frequencies on its Shanghai-Athens route to six weekly (daily from late September) and on Shanghai-Manchester to five weekly, giving business travellers more nonstop options between China and Europe.
Foreign Ministry touts 77 % visa-free share as summer tourism to China heats up
At the 28 July Foreign-Ministry press briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian revealed that 77.7 % of the 17.8 million foreign arrivals in H1 2026 used China’s visa-free schemes, labelling the surge a sign of confidence in China’s openness. The statement reassures businesses that the 30-day visa-free policy remains politically supported and can be relied on for short-term assignments and client visits.
Foreign Ministry cites record 77 % visa-free arrivals, invites world to enjoy 'summer China'
China’s foreign ministry revealed that visa-free travellers accounted for nearly 78 % of all foreign entries in H1 2026, crediting expanded waiver programmes and streamlined procedures. The spokesman urged more tourists and business visitors to take advantage of the relaxed rules, signalling continued political support for inbound travel.
Chinese Embassy in Dhaka Issues Special Visa Instructions for 140th Canton Fair
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka has introduced a single-document, online visa process for Bangladeshi participants in the 140th Canton Fair and warned against fraudulent “guaranteed visa” offers. Firms must upload the official invitation letter themselves; false or incomplete data will result in refusal. The stricter rules aim to protect applicants and support China’s consular digitisation drive.
Germany confirms 30-day visa-free travel to China extended until year-end
Germany’s Foreign Office travel bulletin dated 28 July confirms that the unilateral 30-day visa-free entry arrangement for German passport holders has been extended through 31 December 2026. The clarification reassures German corporates and tourists that no visa is needed for short stays, though address-registration and purpose-of-travel rules still apply.
Loong Air Opens First Direct Chengdu–Taichung Service, Boosting Cross-Strait Connectivity
Loong Air has launched a twice-weekly nonstop flight linking Chengdu and Taichung, its first regular cross-strait service. The route shortens journey times for business and leisure travellers, strengthens supply-chain ties between Sichuan and central Taiwan, and signals cautious growth in cross-strait aviation despite political headwinds.
240-hour transit visa policy fuels inbound ‘cool-summer’ tourism boom
Media coverage shows China’s six-day transit visa waiver is redirecting summer tourist flows to cooler inland and coastal cities, boosting bookings by triple digits. Travel planners can leverage the policy for incentive programs but should watch accommodation capacity in emerging hotspots.
Foreign Ministry Trumpets 77 % Visa-Free Share of Inbound Visits, Invites Tourists to Experience “China Cool”
China’s Foreign Ministry reports that visa-free travellers accounted for nearly 78 % of all foreign arrivals in H1 2026, up 30 %. Spokesperson Lin Jian urged more visitors to discover the country’s tech-savvy attractions, reinforcing Beijing’s strategy to boost inbound tourism and soft power through expanded visa waivers.
Chinese Embassy in Dhaka streamlines Canton Fair visa process for Bangladeshi traders
China’s embassy says Bangladeshi Canton Fair participants now need only the organiser’s invitation letter when applying for visas, but warns against fraudulent ‘inside-track’ agents. The move cuts paperwork and could boost Bangladeshi attendance at Asia’s largest trade expo.
China Pledges Further Visa-Free Transit Expansion and Fully Digital Border Services
A senior Public Security Ministry official announced that China will widen its visa-free transit and regional visa-free entry schemes and shift most immigration processes online by 2027, aiming to sustain the sharp rebound in foreign arrivals. The overhaul will simplify short-term business trips and permit renewals, but companies must adapt compliance systems to the new digital environment.
Air China to Launch Beijing–Copenhagen–Reykjavik Service, Opening First Direct Link Between China and Iceland
From 26 October 2026, Air China will fly thrice weekly from Beijing to Reykjavik via Copenhagen, giving China its first direct air access to Iceland. The move expands the carrier’s rapidly growing European network and shortens travel times for leisure and high-yield business passengers while adding cargo capacity for Sino-Iceland trade.
Typhoon Noul Grounds Hundreds of Flights, Strands Travellers Across Southern China and Hong Kong
Typhoon Noul forced the cancellation of roughly 400 flights and the evacuation of more than 700,000 residents after landfall in Guangdong on 26 July. Although Hong Kong airport resumed limited operations on 27 July, airlines are still clearing backlogs and rail services remain disrupted, highlighting ongoing travel and supply-chain risks for businesses in southern China.
EU Clarifies Entry/Exit System Exemptions as Automated Border Checks Affect Chinese Travellers
Brussels has issued updated guidance on traveller categories exempt from the EU’s new Entry/Exit System. Most Chinese nationals entering on short-stay Schengen visas must still provide fingerprints and a facial image, while Chinese holders of EU residence permits are exempt. Companies should brief employees on longer connection times and documentation requirements.