Published on
January 2, 2026
Türkiye has announced a significant policy change, granting visa-free travel to Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports for tourism and transit purposes. The new regulations, signed by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, were published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday and are set to take effect on January 2. Under the new guidelines, Chinese tourists can now visit Türkiye without needing a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days.
This move is expected to have a profound impact on the tourism sector in Türkiye, particularly as the country seeks to attract more visitors from China, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing travel markets. The visa exemption policy simplifies travel for Chinese citizens, making it easier for them to explore Türkiye’s rich history, vibrant cities, and diverse cultural attractions. It also aims to enhance tourism ties between the two nations, promoting Türkiye as a top destination for Chinese travelers.
Policy Changes to Facilitate Tourism and Transit
The new visa exemption policy allows Chinese citizens to travel freely to Türkiye for tourism and transit purposes without the need to apply for a visa beforehand. This move is designed to make travel between China and Türkiye more accessible and convenient, particularly as both countries work to strengthen their diplomatic and economic relations. With the ability to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, Chinese tourists can enjoy a more flexible travel experience in Türkiye, whether for short visits, holidays, or business-related transit.
Chinese travelers are now able to visit some of Türkiye’s most popular tourist destinations, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Ephesus, without the logistical hurdles of securing a visa. The visa-free entry will also benefit tourists visiting Türkiye as a transit hub for travel to other parts of Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Boosting Turkish Tourism
Türkiye has long been a popular destination for international tourists, with its unique combination of historical landmarks, Mediterranean beaches, and rich cultural experiences. The new visa exemption for Chinese tourists is expected to drive an increase in the number of Chinese visitors to Türkiye, further enhancing the country’s position as a leading global travel destination.
Before the policy change, Chinese tourists needed to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) to visit Türkiye, which, while streamlined, still involved additional steps in the planning process. By removing this requirement, Türkiye aims to make it easier for Chinese travelers to plan their trips and visit the country more spontaneously, whether for sightseeing, shopping, or experiencing local festivals.
The Turkish tourism sector stands to benefit significantly from this new policy. According to recent tourism industry reports, China has become one of the largest sources of tourists to Türkiye. With the removal of visa barriers, it is expected that the number of Chinese visitors will rise further, benefiting local businesses, hotels, tour operators, and restaurants that cater to international tourists.
Major Tourist Destinations in Türkiye for Chinese Travelers
Türkiye is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, and vibrant modern cities, all of which are expected to attract increasing numbers of Chinese tourists. Some of the country’s top attractions include:
- Istanbul: Türkiye’s largest city and a major cultural hub, Istanbul is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The city’s blend of European and Asian influences offers a unique cultural experience for visitors.
- Cappadocia: Famous for its surreal landscapes, including fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, Cappadocia is a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. The region is particularly famous for hot air balloon rides offering breathtaking views of the otherworldly terrain.
- Antalya: Located on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque old town. The region is a popular spot for tourists seeking a blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.
- Ephesus: The ancient city of Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis – draws tourists interested in history and archaeology. Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
These destinations, along with others in Türkiye, will become even more accessible to Chinese tourists thanks to the simplified travel process.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Economic Benefits
In addition to boosting tourism, the visa-free policy is seen as a step towards strengthening the bilateral relationship between China and Türkiye. Both nations have been working on improving their diplomatic and economic ties, with initiatives to increase trade, investments, and cultural exchanges. The easier travel process for Chinese citizens will not only facilitate tourism but also enhance business connections and foster greater understanding between the two nations.
The move is also expected to provide a boost to the Turkish economy, as tourism plays a significant role in the country’s GDP. The influx of Chinese tourists will contribute to the local economy through spending on accommodations, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Furthermore, it may stimulate further investments in infrastructure, such as transportation and hospitality services, to accommodate the growing number of international visitors.
Impacts on Turkish Airlines and Other Transportation Services
With the visa-free policy in place, Turkish Airlines, which already operates a comprehensive network of flights between Türkiye and China, stands to benefit from increased passenger traffic. As one of the largest airlines in the world, Turkish Airlines is well-positioned to capture a greater share of the Chinese travel market, offering direct flights between major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou to İstanbul and other Turkish destinations.
Other transportation services, including private tour operators, car rentals, and travel agencies, are also likely to see an increase in demand as more Chinese tourists arrive in Türkiye.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Chinese Tourism in Türkiye
The implementation of visa-free entry for Chinese tourists is expected to have lasting effects on the growth of Türkiye’s tourism sector. As the global tourism market continues to recover and China’s outbound travel market continues to expand, Türkiye’s new policy positions the country as an attractive, accessible destination for one of the world’s largest and most lucrative tourist markets.
With the removal of visa barriers, Türkiye’s tourism industry is set to welcome more Chinese visitors in the coming years, contributing to the country’s overall economic growth while showcasing its rich cultural offerings to an even broader global audience.
Conclusion
Türkiye’s decision to grant visa-free entry to Chinese tourists for tourism and transit purposes marks an important milestone for the country’s tourism sector. With the new policy set to take effect on January 2, more Chinese travelers will have easier access to Türkiye’s world-renowned attractions, cultural experiences, and historical landmarks. The move is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between China and Türkiye, while also benefiting local economies and the tourism industry at large.
