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Japan Joins Brazil, Thailand, Tunisia, Bahamas, Morocco, South Africa, And More Nations As Turkey Introduces New Visa-Free Travel To Accelerate Tourism And Travel
Published on
January 2, 2026
Japan joins Brazil, Thailand, Tunisia, Bahamas, Morocco, South Africa, and more nations as Turkey introduces a new visa-free travel policy to accelerate tourism and travel. This groundbreaking decision, effective from January 2, 2026, allows Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports to visit Turkey for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, significantly enhancing the ease of travel between countries. The move is set to boost the already growing number of Chinese visitors, positioning Turkey as an even more attractive destination for international tourism while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with China.
In a landmark move that promises to reshape the tourism landscape and foster stronger ties between Türkiye and China, the Turkish government has announced a new visa-free travel policy for Chinese citizens. Starting January 2, 2026, Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports will be able to visit Türkiye for tourism and transit purposes without the need for a visa. This move, formalized through a presidential decree signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is expected to drive a significant increase in Chinese tourist arrivals and further enhance bilateral trade, economic, and cultural relations.
The Growth of Chinese Tourism in Türkiye
The decision to grant visa-free access to Chinese tourists comes as part of a broader strategy to expand Türkiye’s appeal as a global travel destination. The number of Chinese visitors to Türkiye has been rising steadily, and the new policy aims to capitalize on this growing demand. In 2024, Chinese arrivals surged by an impressive 65.1 percent, with nearly 410,000 visitors coming to explore the country’s rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes. The increase is largely attributed to improved flight connectivity, a rising middle class in China, and a growing interest in Türkiye’s cultural heritage.
Key Factors Driving Chinese Tourism to Türkiye:
Cultural Heritage: With its historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Ephesus, and Topkapi Palace, Türkiye offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences that resonate with Chinese travelers.
Modern Amenities and Vibrant Cities: Cities like Istanbul combine the charm of the past with modern-day luxury, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences that cater to the growing affluent Chinese market.
Natural Beauty and the Turkish Riviera: The Turkish coast, especially areas like Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera, continues to attract Chinese visitors with its picturesque landscapes and luxury resorts.
The Appeal of Türkiye for Chinese Tourists
Turkey’s appeal to Chinese tourists is multifaceted, with a range of experiences catering to various interests. From the country’s ancient ruins and vibrant cities to its Mediterranean beaches and resorts, Türkiye offers a diverse range of attractions that align well with the evolving preferences of the Chinese traveler.
Ancient Landmarks and Historical Sites: Chinese tourists are drawn to Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its ancient ruins. Sites like Ephesus, the Hagia Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace provide a glimpse into the region’s past and hold deep cultural significance for visitors seeking history and tradition.
Luxury Resorts and Relaxation: The Turkish Riviera is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Chinese tourists looking for both relaxation and adventure. Luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and an array of water activities provide the perfect environment for families and solo travelers alike.
Shopping and Culinary Delights: Turkish markets, especially in cities like Istanbul, offer unique shopping experiences, from traditional bazaars to modern luxury boutiques. Additionally, Chinese tourists have shown a growing interest in Turkish cuisine, which offers a delicious fusion of flavors that appeal to their palate.
Enhancing Diplomatic and Economic Ties Between Türkiye and China
The introduction of visa-free travel is not just a move to enhance tourism; it is also a reflection of Türkiye’s broader diplomatic and economic objectives. By making it easier for Chinese citizens to visit, Türkiye is positioning itself as a key partner for China in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
Bilateral Trade and Investment: As diplomatic relations between the two nations strengthen, this visa-free policy is expected to promote increased trade, investment, and business collaborations. Both countries have sought to deepen economic ties through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance global trade and connectivity.
Cultural Exchange: The move also facilitates greater cultural exchange between Türkiye and China. With more Chinese visitors coming to experience Turkish culture, the two countries can deepen their understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions.
The Role of Increased Flight Connectivity
One of the key drivers behind the significant rise in Chinese tourism to Türkiye is the expansion of flight connectivity between the two countries. Direct flight routes from major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to Istanbul have made Türkiye more accessible to Chinese travelers.
Direct Flights: The availability of direct flights between major Chinese cities and İstanbul has played a significant role in boosting tourism. With shorter travel times and more frequent flights, visiting Türkiye has become more convenient for Chinese tourists.
More Opportunities for Business and Trade: The improved air connectivity not only facilitates leisure travel but also promotes business and trade between the two countries. This new ease of travel is expected to lead to further growth in business and trade tourism.
Impact on Türkiye’s Tourism Industry
The visa-free entry policy for Chinese tourists is expected to have a substantial impact on Türkiye’s tourism industry. As Chinese visitors become an increasingly important segment of the international tourist market, local businesses will need to adapt their offerings to cater to this growing demand.
Accommodation and Tourism Services: Hotels, tour operators, and restaurants in Türkiye are likely to adjust their services to cater to Chinese preferences. Mandarin-speaking staff, Chinese cuisine offerings, and tailored travel packages will become more common, ensuring that Chinese visitors feel at home while exploring Türkiye.
Increased Revenue for Local Businesses: With more Chinese tourists visiting, the demand for tourism-related services such as transportation, guided tours, and dining experiences will rise, directly benefiting local businesses and contributing to Türkiye’s economic growth.
Strengthening Global Relations
Beyond the immediate benefits for tourism, this visa-free policy is a strategic move aimed at strengthening Türkiye’s position on the global stage. By facilitating easier travel for Chinese citizens, Türkiye is enhancing its standing as an international hub for tourism, trade, and diplomacy.
Global Tourism Trends: As countries around the world seek to improve relations with China, Türkiye’s decision to grant visa-free access reflects the broader global trend of easing travel restrictions for Chinese citizens. This move places Türkiye in a favorable position to capture a larger share of the Chinese outbound tourism market.
Increased Global Appeal: As international connectivity grows and more Chinese tourists choose Türkiye as their destination, the country will continue to solidify its reputation as a top-tier global destination.
What You Need to Know About the Visa-Free Policy
Eligibility: The new visa-free policy applies to Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports. The stay is permitted for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and the exemption applies only to tourism and transit purposes.
Effective Date: The policy officially takes effect on January 2, 2026, allowing Chinese travelers to enter Türkiye without a visa for tourism and transit.
Countries with Visa-Free Access to Türkiye
Apart from China, Türkiye has granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to citizens of numerous other countries. Here are some of the countries whose citizens can visit Türkiye without a visa:
Europe (24): Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and others.
Asia (15): Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and others.
Americas (22): Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, and others.
Africa (19): Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia, and others.
Oceania (8): Fiji, Micronesia, Saint Lucia, Vanuatu, and others.
The introduction of visa-free travel for Chinese citizens marks a new chapter in the relationship between Türkiye and China. It not only promises to drive growth in Türkiye’s tourism sector but also strengthens the economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between the two nations. As international travel becomes easier and more accessible, Türkiye is positioning itself as a welcoming destination for tourists from all corners of the world, and the new visa policy is a significant step in that direction.
With this move, Türkiye is set to benefit from a new wave of Chinese tourists eager to experience its rich culture, history, and landscapes. This step also signals the growing importance of Türkiye in the global tourism market and highlights its ongoing efforts to position itself as a leader in international travel.
Japan joins Brazil, Thailand, Tunisia, Bahamas, Morocco, South Africa, and more nations as Turkey introduces new visa-free travel to accelerate tourism and travel. This policy, starting January 2, 2026, simplifies entry for Chinese citizens, boosting tourism and fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
The coming years will undoubtedly see an even greater influx of Chinese tourists, further solidifying Türkiye’s position as one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.
