Türkiye has introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports, allowing stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism and transit purposes.

The policy, formalized through a presidential decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was published in the Official Gazette on December 31, 2025, and will take effect on January 2, 2026.The decision is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations and further promoting tourism between the two countries. Chinese visitors have shown growing interest in Türkiye's rich cultural heritage, including historic sites in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale.

Official data from Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism indicate a sharp rise in Chinese arrivals, with approximately 410,000 visitors recorded in 2024 — marking a 65.1% increase year-on-year. This growth has been supported by expanded flight connections and post-pandemic recovery in outbound travel from China, positioning the country as one of Türkiye's fastest-emerging tourism markets.

Tourism officials anticipate that the visa exemption will accelerate this trend, potentially driving Chinese visitor numbers toward the million mark in the coming years. The move aligns with broader efforts to enhance economic and cultural exchanges along historical routes like the Silk Road.

While the policy facilitates easier access for Chinese travelers, Turkish citizens holding ordinary passports are still required to obtain visas for travel to China. (ILKHA)