Published on
December 2, 2025
Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea have jointly ushered in a new era of seamless global travel by introducing 30-day visa-free entry for Chinese visitors. This sweeping move, announced as international tourism volumes continue rebounding, aims to simplify travel procedures, reduce pre-departure barriers and boost tourism revenue across some of the world’s most visited destinations. As Chinese outbound travel continues accelerating after years of disruption, these visa reforms are expected to reshape holiday planning, increase multi-country itineraries and strengthen cross-regional tourism ties in 2025 and beyond.
Visa-Free Entry Sparks Global Travel Optimism
The 30-day visa-free programme signals a major shift in border policy, making it easier for Chinese tourists to enjoy long-haul and regional holidays. The simplified entry will help international airports, hotels, attractions and local economies dependent on Chinese spending—one of the world’s highest per-capita tourism markets.
Russia: Strengthening Eurasian Cultural Tourism
Russia’s adoption of the 30-day visa-free access is set to revive traffic between Chinese cities and Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. The exemption is expected to boost heritage circuits, Arctic tourism experiences and cross-border shopping, reinforcing Russia’s position as a leading Eurasian destination.
France: Reclaiming its Position as Europe’s Chinese Tourism Leader
France has long been the most visited European country for Chinese travellers. Paris, Nice, Lyon and Strasbourg are preparing for a new wave of visitors drawn to fashion, art, museums and gastronomy. The visa-free policy allows travellers to take longer stays.
Italy: Heritage and Fashion Tourism Set for Growth
Italy remains a favourite for cultural travellers, and the 30-day exemption is expected to drive visits to Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. Chinese tourists traditionally spend more on luxury fashion, art tours and culinary travel in Italy than many other markets. With easier entry, the country anticipates stronger arrival numbers across its heritage landmarks and boutique hotel sector.
Spain: A New Boost for Culture, Coastlines and Gastronomy
Spain has strengthened its tourism strategy by offering visa-free access for Chinese visitors. Destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville expect increased demand for architecture tours, coastal holidays and cultural festivals. Spain’s extensive high-speed rail network also increases its appeal for long-stay travellers planning multi-city holidays.
Australia: Reviving Long-Haul Travel Demand
Australia’s decision to grant 30-day visa-free entry is expected to support the revival of long-haul travel from China. Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth depend heavily on Chinese tourists for both leisure and international education sectors. The extended visa-free period offers travellers additional time to explore nature tourism, wildlife experiences and coastal escapes.
New Zealand: Nature and Adventure Tourism to Expand
New Zealand’s landscapes remain a top choice for outdoor and adventure travellers from China. With visa-free access, destinations such as Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua and the Fiordland region anticipate a rise in longer itineraries covering nature trails, Māori cultural tourism, wellness retreats and scenic self-drive journeys.
Japan: Strengthening One of Asia’s Most Important Tourism Routes
Japan’s decision holds special importance due to its strong pre-pandemic Chinese market. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido expect significant travel demand driven by culture, food, shopping and seasonal experiences. A 30-day stay allows visitors to enjoy extended itineraries from urban centres to remote heritage towns, supporting regional tourism distribution.
South Korea: Rebuilding Northeast Asia’s Travel Corridor
South Korea remains one of the most accessible destinations for Chinese travellers. Seoul, Busan and Jeju benefit greatly from short-haul tourism, shopping and entertainment travel. The visa exemption supports rapid tourism revival, encourages longer visits and boosts local spending across accommodation, retail and hospitality sectors.
The introduction of 30-day visa-free entry by Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea marks one of the most significant global tourism shifts of the decade. By removing administrative hurdles, these nations are welcoming Chinese travellers back with open doors, revitalising cultural exchange and strengthening international tourism partnerships. As global travel enters a new phase of growth, the policy stands as a powerful reminder that easier mobility creates stronger connections, richer travel experiences and broader economic benefits for destinations worldwide.
Summary Table: 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Travellers
CountryVisa-Free DurationKey Tourism Attractions for Chinese TravellersTravel AdvantageRussia30 daysMoscow, St. Petersburg, winter festivals, cultural toursEasier long-stay cultural holidaysFrance30 daysParis, museums, fashion districts, wine regionsExtended multi-city explorationItaly30 daysRome, Venice, Florence, MilanMore time for regional itinerariesSpain30 daysBarcelona, Madrid, Valencia, AndalucíaSimplified long-trip planning via rail networksAustralia30 daysSydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, coastal and wildlife tourismEncourages cross-state travelNew Zealand30 daysQueenstown, Fiordland, Rotorua, AucklandIdeal for extended scenic and self-drive tripsJapan30 daysTokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, HokkaidoSupports flexible and repeat visitsSouth Korea30 daysSeoul, Busan, Jeju IslandSeamless short-haul travel and extended stays
