Tue Jul 08 03:22:02 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article, aiming for an Indian perspective appropriate for “The Hindu”:
**Summary:**
China is significantly expanding its visa-free policy, now allowing citizens from 74 countries to visit for up to 30 days without a visa. This move aims to boost tourism, the economy, and China’s global image after the pandemic severely impacted visitor numbers. The new policy has already led to a surge in tourism, particularly from Europe, but excludes major African nations. Some countries not included in the 30-day visa-free program can still take advantage of a 10-day transit visa. The expanded policy appears to be having a strong impact on the Chinese tourism industry.
**News Article:**
**China Opens Doors to Boost Tourism, Excludes African Nations in Sweeping Visa Reform**
*Washington, July 8, 2025* – In a bid to revitalize its tourism sector and project a more welcoming image globally, China is dramatically expanding its visa-free entry policy. Citizens from 74 countries can now travel to China for up to 30 days without requiring a visa, a move aimed at attracting foreign visitors after the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted tourism.
The initiative has already shown promise. The National Immigration Administration reports that over 20 million foreign visitors entered China without a visa in 2024, representing a significant increase from previous years. The relaxed regulations have been particularly welcomed by travelers, with many citing the cumbersome visa application process as a major deterrent in the past.
“This really helps people to travel,” said Georgi Shavadze, a tourist from Austria, highlighting the ease of access the new policy provides. Tour guides and travel agencies are bracing for a surge in visitors, with some already reporting a significant increase in bookings, particularly from European travelers.
Jenny Zhao, a managing director of WildChina, stated that business is up 50 per cent compared with before the pandemic, with European travellers now making up 15–20 per cent of their clients, a sharp increase from less than 5 per cent before 2019.
However, the policy has drawn some criticism for its exclusion of major African nations, despite China’s historically strong economic and diplomatic ties with the continent. While citizens of many nations are enjoying the benefits of visa-free travel, major African countries are not eligible.
As of July 16th with the addition of Azerbaijan, the total number of included countries will grow to 75. For citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry, China does offer a transit visa option, allowing stays of up to 10 days.
First Piper 