Speaking at the 28 July regular press conference, Foreign-Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted fresh data showing that 77.7 percent of foreign nationals who entered China in the first half of 2026 did so under one of the country’s visa-free programs. The figure—released earlier by the National Immigration Administration—represents a 30.6 percent year-on-year surge and marks the first time visa-free travellers have outnumbered visa holders by a three-to-one margin. Lin attributed the uptick to China’s expanding list of unilateral visa-waiver partners, the new 240-hour transit-visa exemption covering 55 countries, and simplified payment and ticketing options for foreigners. He added that destinations such as Guizhou, Yunnan and Hunan are experiencing ‘summer tourism booms’, with European arrivals reportedly jumping 275 percent amid a continental heatwave. Analysts say the data underscore a structural shift in how international talent and tourists access the mainland. Companies that still default to applying for short-stay M visas may be wasting time and money if employees qualify for visa-free entry. Travel managers should update pre-trip assessments and brief travellers on the documentation—confirmed onward ticket, accommodation booking and, where required, invitation letter—needed to clear immigration under the waiver. The Foreign Ministry’s public endorsement further signals policy continuity: Beijing sees inbound mobility not just as a tourism matter but as a soft-power asset that can spur consumption and showcase Chinese innovation and culture. Firms planning product launches or incentive trips in China’s second-tier ‘cool cities’ this summer could ride the wave of favourable sentiment and relaxed entry rules.
Source: Xinhua
