Chart of the Day: China's expanding global travel access

China has significantly broadened its global travel reach during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), enhancing both inbound and outbound mobility for travelers.

An immigration official announced on Wednesday that China has introduced unilateral visa-free entry and mutual visa exemption agreements with 75 countries. The number of countries eligible for visa-free transit to China has expanded to 55, with 60 designated entry ports now available across 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The permitted duration of visa-free transit stays has also been extended to 240 hours, making short-term visits more convenient for international travelers.

Outbound travel by Chinese citizens has seen rapid growth during the same period. Since 2021, over 300 million entry and exit documents have been issued, and the number of valid ordinary passports has surpassed 160 million. Currently, Chinese passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain visas on arrival in more than 90 countries and regions worldwide. According to international rankings, China's passport mobility score has climbed from 72nd in 2021 to 60th.