China expands visa-free access to 75 nations, boosts border access

(ECNS) -- China has granted visa-free entry to travelers from 75 countries and expanded mutual exemption agreements, aiming to boost international exchange and ease border procedures, an immigration official said Wednesday.

The number of countries eligible for visa-free transit to China has increased to 55, while the number of entry ports has expanded to 60 across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, said Wang Zhizhong, head of the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

A press conference is held by the State Council Information Office on China's immigration management achievements during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing July 30, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Zhang Xiangyi)

Wang noted that during this period, border inspection authorities processed 1.556 billion cross-border visits and inspected more than 98 million vehicles, adding that China is now among the countries with the highest border clearance efficiency in the world.

According to rankings compiled by international consulting agencies, the global mobility of the Chinese passport has risen from 72nd place in 2021 to 60th place, reflecting its growing international recognition.

(By Gong Weiwei)