China Introduces Visa-Free Policy for ASEAN Tour Groups visiting Xishuangbanna
In a significant move to bolster people-to-people exchanges with Southeast Asia, China has announced a new visa-free policy for tour groups from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) visiting the xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture in Yunnan province. This initiative, effective promptly, aims to attract more tourists and foster deeper ties between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors.
Under this policy, tour groups comprising at least two ordinary passport holders from any of the 10 ASEAN member countries can enter and exit China without a visa through the Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, the Mohan Railway Port, and the Mohan Highway Port. These ports of entry are all situated within the picturesque Xishuangbanna region.
Upon entry, tour groups from most ASEAN member countries can stay in Xishuangbanna for up to six days. Though, this privilege is extended to 30 days for visitors from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, who are already under China’s visa waiver scheme. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) emphasized that these groups must be organized and received by travel agencies in China.
Key Points of the Visa-free Policy
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|————————————————————————-|
| Eligible Countries | All 10 ASEAN member countries |
| Entry/Exit Points | Xishuangbanna gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port, Mohan Highway Port |
| Duration of Stay | Up to 6 days (except for Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand: up to 30 days) |
| Organizers | Travel agencies in China |
The NIA highlighted that this policy is a significant step towards supporting Yunnan in becoming a regional hub with far-reaching effects for South and Southeast Asia. It is expected to promote the growth of the tourism industry in Southwest China, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and deepen the thorough strategic partnership between China and ASEAN.
Xishuangbanna, known for its tropical scenery, is located at the southernmost tip of Yunnan. the province, which shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, serves as one of China’s primary gateways to Southeast Asia.
In 2024, border inspection authorities in Yunnan recorded over 24.76 million cross-border passenger trips,marking a 64.5 percent year-on-year increase.During the same year,Xishuangbanna attracted more than 70 million tourists from both China and abroad,reflecting a 13.44 percent year-on-year increase.
This new policy is part of a broader effort by the NIA to attract more foreigners to travel and do business in China, injecting new momentum into the inbound travel market.
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This initiative not only simplifies travel for tourists but also underscores China’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and cultural exchange. As Xishuangbanna continues to grow as a tourist destination, the visa-free policy is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing its appeal and economic significance.
