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Invest Shanghai
Shanghai is enhancing its attractiveness as a premier initial destination for international travelers to China, leveraging the nation's increasing visa-exempt policies.
China has recently expanded its visa-free list, adding more countries, with Indonesian citizens now eligible for a 240-hour visa-free transit, bringing the total number of eligible countries to 55. This move is part of China's strategy to boost inbound tourism and facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
Loe Agus Prawira, an Indonesian businessman who regularly travels to China, commended the recent policy, stating: "With the 240-hour visa-free transit, everything is so convenient. I can just buy a ticket and come whenever I want."
Prawira plans to bring his family next time to experience China's cultural attractions firsthand.
People hailing from countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, are experiencing substantial advantages due to China's visa-exempt policy. Among the 10 leading source nations for tourists traveling to Shanghai this year, four belong to the ASEAN group.
In February, China enacted a new visa relaxation policy permitting travel groups from ASEAN nations to visit the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, located in the southwestern Yunnan province. Furthermore, earlier this month, China unveiled an "ASEAN Visa" intended for the 10 ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste to promote cross-border travel within the region.
Additionally, effective June 1, China put in place a trial policy that provides unilateral visa-free entry to citizens from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. It has also recently instituted visa-free access for all member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The implementation of visa-free policies has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of foreign tourists arriving via the ports of Shanghai. This year, 1.27 million visitors, accounting for more than half of all inbound foreign travelers, have availed themselves of the visa-free arrangements.
Riding the wave of growing popularity of "China Travel", Shanghai's immigration authorities have introduced measures to enhance services.
The Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection has established a 24/7 multilingual hotline and implemented a system that enables travelers to complete their arrival cards on board the airplane and at a self-service terminal, thereby speeding up the border entry process. Immigration officers proficient in various languages are also available to assist travelers.
At Waigaoqiao Port, which ranks among the busiest seaports in China, specialized channels have been instituted for the rotation of crew members, thereby ensuring prompt and efficient services for foreign sailors.
Captain Bova Sorin expressed his appreciation for the efficient border services at Waigaoqiao.
"During this stop in Shanghai, I am eager to explore Chinese cuisine and visit both the Bund and Yuyuan Garden. The thoughtful services provided here have made my trip to Shanghai easy and convenient," he said.
During the first five months of 2025, the Waigaoqiao Port facilitated crew change procedures for more than 3,200 sailors, representing a 51 percent increase compared to the previous year.