Visa-free policy draws more South American travelers to Shanghai

One year since China implemented its visa-free policy for travelers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, 81,000 people from the five South American countries have entered China visa Shanghai.

The figure rose 50.5 percent year-on-year, and nearly 70 percent of the passengers entered under the visa-free policy.

The 30-day visa-free stay has encouraged visitors make longer and more in-depth trips across China.

Brazilian traveler Baggard Moreno Andre Luiz said the visa-free policy has made travel much more convenient, allowing visitors to travel at short notice. Having visited China more than 20 times and traveled to many cities, he said China feels like a second home.

A border inspection officer said interest in Shanghai among overseas travelers has shifted from visiting major landmarks such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yuyuan Garden to exploring cafes on Wukang Road, small shops on Anfu Road, and handmade markets in local alleys.

Visits related to business and trade exchanges have also become more common among travelers from the five South American countries.

Brazilian business traveler Colicchio Lopes Bruno said he has seen more content on overseas social media platforms about growing trade links between South America and China. With visa-free access, he hopes to visit China in person to learn more about Chinese companies' business models and explore cooperation opportunities.

Shanghai is becoming a more appealing destination partly due to its integrated development of culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions. International exhibitions and sporting events have provided platforms for economic, trade, cultural, and tourism exchanges.

More than 200 exhibitors from Latin America took part in the eighth China International Import Expo, including more than 100 from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.

Growing business ties have also sparked greater interest in China among people from the five countries, encouraging more visits for tourism and cultural experiences.

Shanghai border inspection authorities have strengthened passenger flow monitoring and carried out categorized inspections for international travelers. They have continued to promote online entry card filing for foreign nationals and assigned more officers with foreign-language skills to frontline service posts.

In addition, the 12367 immigration service hotline provides around-the-clock multilingual consultation, supporting Shanghai's role as a major gateway for inbound tourism.