To further promote cross-border travel in the region, China has introduced an ”ASEAN visa” for citizens of all 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) as well as observer state Timor-Leste. Announced during the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, this new program grants five-year multiple-entry visas to eligible business travelers and their spouses and children, allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted this initiative while emphasizing the growing people-to-people exchanges between China and Southeast Asia.
Lin noted that in recent years, China and ASEAN have deepened their partnership, advancing toward a ”community with a shared future” marked by peace, prosperity, and mutual trust. The frequent interactions between their citizens have created strong demand for even greater travel facilitation.
The announcement follows China’s recent expansion of visa-free policies, including a trial program launched on June 1 granting visa-free entry to ordinary passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—marking the first time such benefits have been extended to Latin American and Caribbean nations. Additionally, China has granted visa-free status to all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, a move warmly welcomed by the region.
Lin confirmed that these measures reflect China’s commitment to high-level opening-up, with the number of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry now totaling 43. He stressed that such policies are part of China’s broader efforts to foster an open global economy.
The impact of these measures is already evident: In the first quarter of 2024, China welcomed over 9 million foreign visitors, a 40% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, more than 18,000 foreign-invested companies were established in China in the first four months of the year, a 12.1% rise compared to the same period last year.
Looking ahead, Lin pledged that China will continue improving entry policies and expanding its visa-free list. “We welcome more international friends to experience China’s vibrant economy, diverse consumption options, and world-class services,” he said. “China remains dedicated to deeper cooperation and shared prosperity with the global community.”
