Türkiye Introduces Visa-Free Travel for Chinese Citizens — Strategic Move to Expand Tourism and Economic Ties
Türkiye has officially implemented a visa-free travel regime for citizens of the People’s Republic of China, marking a notable shift in the country’s international mobility and tourism policy. This new policy took effect on 2 January 2026, following publication of a presidential decree in the Official Gazette.
Under the updated rules, holders of ordinary Chinese passports no longer require a visa for tourist or transit visits to Türkiye, with visa exemption valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
This decision is expected to significantly enhance people-to-people exchanges and broaden commercial linkages between Türkiye and China, one of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets. Prior to the policy change, the number of Chinese visitors had already shown strong growth, with official data reporting a year-on-year increase of over 65 percent in arrivals in 2024, reaching roughly 410,000 visitors.
Industry stakeholders anticipate that eliminating visa barriers will not only support the tourism sector by increasing hotel occupancy and ancillary travel spending but also create broader opportunities for cultural exchange and business travel.
As Türkiye continues to enhance connectivity and accessibility for international travelers, this visa-free arrangement stands as a strategic initiative to strengthen bilateral relations and unlock new growth in tourism and trade.
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Note: The visa exemption applies to short-term tourism and transit only; long-term stays, employment, study, or residency require appropriate permits or visas.
