On May 15, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China officially announced a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of five Latin American countries, aiming to enhance mutual exchanges and facilitate travel between China and these nations. Starting from June 1, 2025, holders of ordinary passports from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will be allowed to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days on a trial basis.
At a press briefing held in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian explained that this new measure is part of China’s broader strategy to promote a higher level of openness and cooperation with countries around the world. He said, “To further facilitate the movement of people between China and foreign countries, China has decided to expand the scope of its visa-free policy. The trial visa exemption will be effective from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.” According to Lin, the visa-free policy will apply to ordinary passport holders from the five named countries who enter China for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit stays not exceeding 30 days.
This announcement followed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks at the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Forum on China-Latin America Cooperation, held in Beijing on May 13, where he declared China’s commitment to broadening visa-free arrangements to deepen cooperation with the Latin American and Caribbean regions. President Xi highlighted the importance of facilitating people-to-people exchanges as a key pillar in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations.
Lin Jian emphasized that China’s visa liberalization efforts align with its ongoing policy of opening up to the world and its willingness to create more favorable conditions for international travel and exchanges. “China will continue to promote high-level opening-up, introduce more practical measures to ease cross-border travel, and encourage more foreign friends to visit China to experience its rich culture, dynamic economy, and diverse society,” he said.
The move is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural interaction between China and the five Latin American countries, enhancing bilateral relations in multiple fields. Business travelers will benefit from simplified entry procedures, and tourists can explore China’s many attractions more conveniently. The policy also supports exchanges in education, science, and technology, fostering greater mutual understanding.
This trial visa exemption represents a significant milestone in China’s diplomatic outreach and efforts to deepen ties with Latin America. It demonstrates China’s commitment to building a more interconnected global community by removing barriers to people-to-people contact.
Observers note that the expanded visa-free policy could pave the way for broader regional cooperation and help strengthen China’s influence in Latin America. The initiative aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and other frameworks aimed at promoting international collaboration.
China has previously implemented visa exemption policies for several countries and regions, and this expansion to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay reflects Beijing’s increasing focus on Latin America as a strategic partner. The one-year trial period will allow authorities to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness and consider possible permanent arrangements.
Overall, the new visa-free entry policy is expected to bring practical benefits to citizens of the five countries and contribute positively to China’s international engagement in the coming years.
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