Addis Ababa, August 4, 2025 (FMC) – China has signed agreements on unilateral visa-free entry and mutual visa exemption with 75 countries as part of its efforts to simplify visa procedures and promote international exchange, as reported by TV BRICS, citing Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.
In addition, the permitted stay under the visa-free transit policy has been extended to 240 hours. These measures have significantly facilitated travel for foreigners visiting China for tourism, business, and other purposes.
Between 2021 and 2025, the number of countries eligible for visa-free transit through China rose to 55, while the number of entry points expanded to 60 across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.
Wang Zhizhong, Head of the National Immigration Administration (NIA) says that these optimised visa-free policies have also strengthened exchanges and interactions between Chinese and people around the world, fostering closer ties.
“Many foreign visitors have gained a true and full understanding of China through their firsthand experiences,” Wang said.
Other countries are also taking steps to simplify their visa regimes. As of 20 March 2025, foreign citizens have been able to enter Belarus using an electronic visa, TV BRICS further reported, citing Belarusian news agency BelTA which also cited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic.
Since the launch of Russia’s unified e-visa system on 1 August 2023, one million electronic visas have been issued to foreign tourists. According to the press service of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the milestone visa was used by a traveller from China.