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China has changed its visa system. Citizens of 74 countries can now visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days. In addition, citizens from 54 countries can stay in-transit for 10 days, but they must have a ticket to a third country. China is slowly increasing the number of visa-free countries, so it can grow its tourism industry. It started allowing visitors from more countries in 2023. It has added almost every European country and many nations from South America, Asia, and the Middle East. More than 20 million visitors entered China without a visa in 2024.
The number of Chinese tourists in China still greatly outnumbers international tourists. China is preparing for a big increase in the number of overseas travellers. Tour companies need guides and staff, to help with more customers. An English-speaking tour guide with 20 years of experience said: "I'm flooded with tours, and I'm struggling to keep up." He started a new business to train new tour guides. The director of a luxury tour company, said: "The new visa policies are 100 per cent beneficial to us." She said business was up 50 per cent compared to before the pandemic.
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