Travel And Tour World reports that China has quietly expanded its 30-day unilateral visa-waiver to a further group of long-haul markets including Brazil, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand (travelandtourworld.com). Although the Foreign Ministry has not yet issued a formal notice, airport circulars seen by airlines confirm the additions took effect on 29 February.
The move raises the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry from 48 to 55 and signals Beijing’s intent to diversify tourist inflows beyond traditional feeder markets. Brazil alone accounted for 290,000 Chinese-bound arrivals before the pandemic; industry executives say removing the visa hurdle could lift that figure above half a million by 2027.
For corporates the waiver eases executive visits between BRICS partners just months before the bloc’s Beijing summit. Bilateral chambers of commerce in São Paulo and Riyadh told Global Mobility News that member companies plan to accelerate site inspections and joint-venture negotiations now that last-minute trips are viable.
Airlines are already adjusting capacity. China Southern has applied to restore thrice-weekly Guangzhou–São Paulo services, while Saudia is seeking slots to resume Jeddah–Beijing flights from April. Travel agencies caution passengers that the waiver does not permit paid work and that proof of onward travel is still required at check-in.
VisaHQ’s global visa and passport specialists can also simplify the process for travellers who still require documentation for China, or need clarification on the evolving entry rules. Their user-friendly portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) provides real-time updates, online application tools and expert support, helping both leisure visitors and corporate mobility teams determine whether they qualify for the waiver or need an alternative visa before departure.
Immigration advisers recommend HR teams update travel-approval workflows and briefing notes so that eligible staff can leverage the exemption without breaching China’s 30-day limit or local tax thresholds.
