China's Passport Power Soars: Visa-Free Travel to Over 90 Countries Now Possible
In a significant development, Chinese passport holders can now travel to over 90 countries and regions visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. This milestone, announced by the National Immigration Administration's Citizen Exit-Entry Administration Department Director, Xiong Shuren, marks a substantial increase in travel convenience for Chinese citizens. According to international consulting agencies, the ranking of the Chinese passport's global travel convenience has risen from 72nd in 2021 to 60th.
31 July 2025
The implications of this policy are far-reaching, with potential benefits for the tourism industry, economic development, social exchange, and political relations. For tourism, easier access is expected to lead to a boom in outbound travel, supporting airlines, hotels, and local businesses in destination countries. This influx of tourists may also create new tourism-related jobs and services.
From an economic perspective, increased outbound travel and cross-border mobility can stimulate the economy through higher spending on international goods and services. The easier movement of people can encourage cultural exchange, potentially leading to mutual understanding and collaboration that benefits economic ties.
Visa-free access also promotes greater interpersonal and cultural exchange. Travelers are exposed to diverse societies, ideas, and ways of life, which can broaden perspectives, reduce stereotypes, and foster global citizenship. This enhanced understanding can lead to stronger ties between nations on a social level, beyond formal diplomatic relations.
Furthermore, visa-free policies carry political weight, signaling a level of trust and open-door policy between nations. This can lead to stronger diplomatic ties and increased cooperation on various fronts, enhancing a country's global standing and influence.
The news has been met with excitement on Weibo, with many users celebrating the increased "gold content" of the Chinese passport. Some have expressed optimism for even greater travel freedom, while others have acknowledged the government's efforts in negotiating and implementing visa-exemption agreements. The topic has also generated practical interest, with users compiling and sharing lists of specific countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
The Chinese government's active promotion of more visa-free entry benefits, such as adding Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia as visa-free countries since 2021, has been a key factor in this development. National leaders, including President Xi, have played a crucial role in strengthening exchanges and cooperation, which have improved China's diplomatic image and led to an increase in visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations.
While no specific "key people" have been identified by name, the primary entities involved are governmental bodies related to foreign affairs, diplomacy, and immigration in China and the various countries with reciprocal or unilateral visa policies. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and international organizations like the UN can also play a role in promoting international cooperation that might indirectly contribute to travel facilitation.
The Chinese passport's rising "gold content" has sparked national pride and increased convenience for travel. As China's global standing and influence continue to grow, it is likely that the number of countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access will continue to increase, providing Chinese citizens with even greater freedom and opportunities for international travel and exchange.
