Hainan Airlines flight HU750 from Madrid, Spain, landed at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, where Brazilian traveler Gómez André entered China smoothly thanks to efficient border control. “This is my first trip to China,” he said. “The visa-free policy saves so much time.” He plans to visit Shenzhen and Guangzhou with Chinese friends to experience high-tech products and local cuisine.
In May, China announced an expanded visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. This marks the first time China’s unilateral visa-free policy has extended to Latin America and the Caribbean, garnering wide attention locally. Media and figures believe the policy will facilitate exchanges, promote economic cooperation, and showcase China’s open image.
“China Is Becoming a Preferred Destination”
Brazil’s tourism website Best Destinations reported the news under a striking headline, noting that while previous visa procedures were not complicated, the policy will eliminate application time and costs, expecting a surge in visitor numbers. A São Paulo-based Chinese travel agency, which handled nearly 1,000 China-bound procedures last year, anticipates a 15% business growth and is designing new tour packages.
Alejandra Conconi, Executive Director of the Argentina-China Chamber of Commerce, said the policy strengthens ties, benefits trade delegations, and brings investment opportunities, citing the recent Canton Fair as an example. Fabián Pizarro of Chile’s Cooperative Radio described China as a top choice for tourism, business, and education, noting that the policy enables cultural bridges via themed tours.
“Greatly Promotes Business Ties”
Ding Yanming, export sales manager of Chile’s “Guxian” company, said many friends plan to visit China for exhibitions or tourism. “Previously, visas took about a month, but now it’s much easier.” Brazilian travel agent Chen Xiuhua expects more business trips, as the policy removes visa hurdles. Peru’s El Comercio forecasts doubled business travel, highlighting China’s role as a key trade partner.
Monica Ahumada, an expert at the University of Santiago, Chile, said the policy will boost commercial links, especially in energy and infrastructure. Brazil’s RedNet noted that besides tourism and trade, the policy will enhance academic exchanges in strategic sectors like energy and innovation.
“Highlights China’s Commitment to Opening Up”
At the recent 4th China-CELAC Ministerial Meeting, participants emphasized cooperation in infrastructure and technology. Scoflan, Director of the China Research Center at Argentina’s National University of La Plata, said the visa-free policy implements this consensus, fostering people-to-people exchanges and accurate China perceptions.
Milton Pomar of Brazil’s Federal University of Santa Catarina, a 28-year China observer, witnessed China’s continuous opening-up through English signage and friendly payment tools. Uruguayan sinologist Pablo Rovetta, citing “Seeing is believing,” said the policy will deepen Uruguay-China trade and cultural ties, dispelling biases through firsthand experiences.
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