China Opens Its Doors to South America

Starting at the end of 2023, officials in China have plugged the phrase "efforts in opening up" a multitude of times. And as of this month, an additional 6 countries have been added to China's visa-free travel lists bringing the total to an astonishing 44 countries. That means China has opened its doors to roughly 22% of the world (in terms of country count).

Starting June 1, 2025, China is granting visa-free access to citizens of five South American nations—Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. The announcement, made during the fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China–Latin America Forum, marks a significant step towards strengthening ties and simplifying travel.

The year-long pilot program will last until May 31, 2026, with hopes of permanent expansion if successful.

China and Uzbekistan: Mutual Visa-Free Access

In a parallel move, China and Uzbekistan will implement a mutual visa-free agreement starting the same date—June 1, 2025. Citizens of both nations can visit each other's countries visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. For stays beyond 30 days or for work, study, or media-related activities, the appropriate visa will still be required.

What It Means for Shanghai

Shanghai is often selected as part of overseas visitor's travel itinerary. Why not. It's a great city. The move is expected to boost travel and economic ties, bringing fresh energy and new faces to the city’s vibrant international mix.

How many of you expats reading this once came to China as a tourist long ago... and boom, you either stayed or came back to settle down. We can likely expect, a percentage of visitors, may end up becoming new long-term neighbors in the future.

Europe (29 countries)

• Andorra
  
• Austria
  
• Belgium
  
• Bulgaria
  
• Croatia
  
• Cyprus
  
• Denmark
  
• Estonia
  
• Finland
  
• France
  
• Germany
  
• Greece
  
• Hungary
  
• Iceland
  
• Ireland
  
• Italy
  
• Latvia
  
• Liechtenstein
  
• Luxembourg
  
• Malta
  
• Monaco
  
• Montenegro
  
• Netherlands
  
• North Macedonia
  
• Norway
  
• Poland
  
• Portugal
  
• Romania
  
• Slovakia
  
• Slovenia
  
• Spain
  
• Switzerland

Asia (6 countries)

• Brunei
  
• Japan
  
• South Korea
  
• Malaysia
  
• Singapore
  
• Thailand

Oceania (2 countries)

• Australia
  
• New Zealand
  

Regional Visa-Free Policies

• Hainan Province: Citizens from 59 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Russia, can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days. 

National Immigration Administration

• Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province: Tourist groups from ASEAN countries can enter visa-free for up to 6 days. 

•Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Similar 6-day visa-free access for ASEAN tourist groups.