China Introduces One-Year Visa-Free Travel

China has introduced a new policy that grants citizens from five Latin American countries visa-free access for up to one year, in a bid to deepen regional partnerships.

Effective June 1, nationals from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay can travel to China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, according to an announcement made by China’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday. This is part of a one-year trial arrangement.

“We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, to experience the colorful and vibrant China,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing.

Earlier this week, Beijing hosted the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, reinforcing its push to build stronger relationships in the region and serve as a strategic counterbalance to U.S. influence.

In recent months, China has relaxed visa policies for several countries — including most European nations, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia — to help stimulate economic recovery following strict pandemic-era restrictions. Additionally, mutual visa-free access between China and Uzbekistan for up to 30 days will begin on the same date, as confirmed by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.