Starting next June 1st, China will open its doors wide to travelers from five Latin American nations: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. For one year, these citizens will be able to stroll, do business and visit their loved ones in Chinese territory without the need to apply for a visa, enjoying stays of up to 30 days for each entry.
An invitation to see the other side of China
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China recently announced that, as part of a one-year pilot program, passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be exempted from visa requirements for tourism, transit, business or family visits. With this measure, Beijing seeks to get even closer to Latin America, promoting cultural and economic exchange between both regions.
In the words of Lin Jian, spokesman for the Ministry, “we welcome more foreign friends to visit China, to experience the colorful and vibrant China”. After years of restrictions and strict travel controls due to the pandemic, this step represents a new air of openness and mutual cooperation.
How will the pilot program work?
- Start date: June 1, 2025.
- Duration: One year, until May 31, 2026.
- Beneficiary countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
- Permitted stay: Up to 30 days per entry.
- Purpose: Tourism, business, transit and family visits.
Travelers will not need to complete any prior consular formalities; it will suffice to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and a ticket for departure or onward travel. It’s as simple as that: skip the lines and visa fees and invest them in discovering ancient temples, dizzying skyscrapers or delicious local cuisine.
A boost to tourism and South-South trade
The measure will not only facilitate vacation getaways to the Great Wall or bustling Beijing, but will also open up new business opportunities. SMEs and entrepreneurs from our region will be able to explore emerging markets, attend trade fairs and establish partnerships with Chinese counterparts without the usual bureaucratic barriers.
For the tourism sectors, a significant increase in visitors from South America is expected, stimulating the supply of package tours, airlines and hospitality services. Business travelers will also be able to travel more flexibly, participating in conferences, meetings and trade missions with greater flexibility and at lower costs.
Diplomatic Context: Beyond Tourism
This initiative comes on the heels of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, where President Xi Jinping and several Latin American leaders reinforced mutual commitment to cooperation and investment. The visa waiver pilot program is part of China’s broader strategy to consolidate relations in the region, offering a counterweight to other global influences.
In addition, China will use the occasion to strengthen ties not only with Latin America, but also with other allies: as of June 1, Uzbekistan and China will allow each other visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days. These moves reflect Beijing’s geopolitical interest in diversifying its partners and strengthening “South-South” ties.
Direct advantages for travelers
Time and money savings: Forget about paperwork, consulate interviews and visa fees.
- Flexibility: Decide your itinerary with more freedom; come and go as many times as you want within the 12-month period.
- Enriched cultural experience: Take advantage of traditional festivals, calligraphy classes, food tours and more, without the worry of immigration procedures.
- Family exchange: Thousands of families with roots or ties to China will be able to reunite without bureaucratic obstacles.
Recommendations for your trip
- Documentation: Bring your passport with at least six months of validity.
- Departure or onward ticket: Make sure you have proof of departure (plane, train or ship) within the 30 days allowed.
- Travel insurance: Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended to consider international medical coverage.
- Flexible planning: Book hotels with a free cancellation policy and have a base itinerary, but set aside time to discover surprises.
Why now? The end of one chapter and the beginning of another
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, China maintained rigid entry restrictions that included quarantines and near-total bans. Now, by relaxing its rules, the country is not only boosting its economic recovery – particularly the tourism sector – but also sending a message of openness to the world.
The “colorful and vibrant China” mentioned by Lin Jian is ready to welcome its “new friends” from Latin America. Whether it’s marveling at the Forbidden City, exploring traditional markets, kayaking down rivers or savoring authentic dim sum, this visa waiver program turns dreams into experiences at your fingertips.
Looking ahead to the future
During the year-long experiment, the impact on the influx of travelers, commercial exchange and cultural ties will be evaluated. If successful, it would not be surprising if China expands the list of beneficiary countries or even makes this measure a permanent policy.
June 1, 2025 marks the beginning of a new era of connection between China and Latin America. With this initiative, China confirms its commitment to build bridges, promoting the flow of people, ideas and opportunities.