At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ regular press conference on 28 July, spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted the latest NIA data showing that 17.8 million foreign nationals entered China visa-free in the first half of 2026—77.7 % of all foreign arrivals. Lin attributed the surge to Beijing’s December 2025 decision to extend unilateral 30-day visa waivers to 50 countries, coupled with 240-hour transit-visa exemptions at 65 ports. “More foreign friends are choosing to ‘use their feet’ to experience China,” he said, noting that museums, EV showrooms and “guochao” pop-up stores are becoming as popular as the Great Wall. The official offered an open invitation: “We welcome more foreign visitors to feel the hot summer charm of China up close.” For companies, the statement is a political green light to resume incentive trips, conferences and rotational assignments that were reduced during the pandemic era. Mobility teams should nonetheless keep monitoring local exit-entry bureaux for quota caps on work permits, as the visa-free regime does not cover remunerated activities. Analysts say the numbers support Beijing’s broader strategy of using inbound tourism to boost consumption. Retail and hospitality groups are already reporting double-digit year-on-year growth in duty-free and tax-rebate sales—a trend likely to intensify if the Ministry of Public Security follows through on its promise to digitise travel documents. Practical tip: even with visa-free entry, travellers must carry proof of onward travel and accommodation registration. HR should brief staff on the NIA’s online “Foreigner Accommodation Registration” mini-programme to avoid hotel counter queues.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRC
