BEIJING:
In a sweeping move to revive international travel and business ties, China has extended its visa-free policy to citizens from 74 countries, allowing them to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days. The new policy, which comes amid a broader post-pandemic opening strategy, has already seen significant success — with over 20 million visitors entering China visa-free in 2024, more than double the figures from the previous year.
The list of eligible countries spans a wide spectrum — including most of Europe, parts of Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The policy will be expanded further on July 16, 2025, with Azerbaijan set to become the 75th addition.
But one notable absentee from the list continues to raise eyebrows: Pakistan.
Close Ally, Yet Not on the List
Despite its status as one of China’s closest strategic and economic partners — particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — Pakistan remains excluded from both the visa-free and transit-visa categories. Pakistani passport holders must still obtain a visa in advance for any type of visit — whether for tourism, business, or even transit.
This omission has sparked debate among analysts and the public alike, with many questioning why such a long-standing ally hasn’t been offered the same travel privileges extended to several Gulf and Asian nations.
Who Made the Cut?
The countries benefiting from China’s updated visa-free entry list include:
🔹 Europe: Over 30 countries — including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and Norway — are now eligible for 30-day visa-free stays. The UK, Sweden, Russia, and Ukraine qualify for 10-day transit entry only.
🔹 Asia & Oceania: Countries like Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand enjoy visa-free access. Indonesia qualifies for 10-day transit entry.
🔹 Middle East: Several GCC countries — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait — are now visa-exempt, reflecting China’s deepening relations with Gulf states.
🔹 Latin America: Nations including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay have been included in the 30-day category, while Mexico is eligible for 10-day transit.
🔹 Others: Countries such as Turkey, Israel, Georgia, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Mongolia are on the visa-free list. Meanwhile, the US and Canada are restricted to transit-only access.
Transit Privileges Also Denied to Pakistan
China’s 10-day visa-free transit policy, available at select international airports for travelers en route to third countries, also excludes Pakistan. While this policy has been extended to nationals of countries like the US, UK, Canada, and several European states, Pakistani citizens must still apply for transit visas in advance.
China’s Global Opening — But with Limits
The new visa framework signals China’s ambition to reassert its global connectivity following years of pandemic-related isolation. By easing entry for tourists and business travelers, Beijing is looking to boost its tourism sector, encourage foreign investment, and solidify diplomatic goodwill — especially with Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf.
Yet, the absence of countries like Pakistan — alongside other South Asian and African nations — has not gone unnoticed.
While the rationale behind the exclusions hasn’t been officially explained, observers in Pakistan remain hopeful that future updates will reflect the depth of Islamabad’s partnership with Beijing.
For now, however, Pakistani travelers — whether heading to China for work, study, or leisure — will need to continue navigating the traditional visa process.
