Shenzhen draws record foreign arrivals after visa-free policy expansion

Key Takeaways

• Visa-free entries at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport rose 160%, reaching over 152,000 in 2025.
• Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay gain 30-day visa-free access to China from June 1st.
• Nationally, China recorded 20.1 million visa-free arrivals in 2024, up 112% year-over-year.

Shenzhen, long celebrated as a center of technology and finance in southern China 🇨🇳, has become a magnet for international visitors in 2025. A sweeping visa-free policy is helping to transform this bustling city from a domestic powerhouse into a global destination. The effects reach far beyond tourism, touching nearly every part of Shenzhen’s daily life and business climate, and offering a clear example of how policy can shape the movement of people across borders.

Unprecedented Growth in Foreign Arrivals

At the center of Shenzhen’s boom is Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, which now stands as a gateway to southern China 🇨🇳 for millions. Recent figures underscore the scale of this change. So far in 2025, the airport welcomed over 152,000 visa-free entries, marking a jump of 160.3% compared to the same time the year before. This means that more than twice as many people are taking advantage of visa-free travel to enter through Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport than in years past.

The overall number of international arrivals at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has reached over 531,000—a year-on-year increase of 54.6%. The numbers put into perspective how much the mood and pace of the city have shifted. What was once a city with tight entry rules has now opened its doors wide to the world, thanks to the new visa-free policy.

The Faces of the Influx: Who Is Coming and Why

The sharp increase in visitors is not random. It is led by travelers from specific countries that now enjoy easier access to China 🇨🇳. People from Malaysia 🇲🇾, South Korea 🇰🇷, Japan 🇯🇵, Vietnam 🇻🇳, and Singapore 🇸🇬 are at the forefront. These countries have seen more of their citizens visit Shenzhen thanks to the relaxed rules.

This openness is about to grow further. Starting June 1st, citizens from Brazil 🇧🇷, Argentina 🇦🇷, Chile 🇨🇱, Peru 🇵🇪, and Uruguay 🇺🇾 will be able to travel to China for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This window will last until at least May 31st of the following year. This change is expected to bring an even larger wave of tourists and business travelers from South America to Shenzhen, making the city’s streets and public spaces even livelier.

Why Shenzhen Has Become the Place to Visit

Several reasons help explain why Shenzhen is so attractive, especially with visa barriers coming down.

• Technology Hub: Shenzhen is the home base for leading companies like Tencent and Huawei. These companies not only draw business travelers but also tourists who want to see what a “city of the future” looks like.
• Business Gateway: Shenzhen sits next to Hong Kong 🇭🇰. Its location gives it quick links to international trade and an easy entry point for global investors and entrepreneurs.
• Better Value for Money: Compared to places like Hong Kong or Singapore, it costs less to live and do business in Shenzhen. This has made it especially popular with expats, digital nomads, and young travelers on a budget.
• Easy Connections: Shenzhen now offers more direct flights than ever, with new routes opening up all the time. One new flight path will soon connect Shenzhen to Dubai. This easier access is a direct response to the growing number of international visitors.
• Modern City Life: From its gleaming skyscrapers and live music venues to high-end shopping and famous street food, Shenzhen’s urban style draws both business travelers and those looking for fun or culture.

Social media adds energy to this wave. Influencers and big online personalities, like YouTuber IShowSpeed, have broadcast live from Shenzhen, sharing the city’s fast pace and high-tech lifestyle with millions worldwide. This attention further speeds up the interest in visiting.

The Wider Wave: National Effects of the Visa-Free Policy

The sharp rise in visitors is not limited to Shenzhen alone. The whole of China 🇨🇳 is seeing the effects of relaxed entry rules as the country moves away from the travel restrictions set during the pandemic era. In 2024 alone, China recorded over 20.1 million visa-free entries—a major jump of 112% from the previous year.

These changes aren’t happening in isolation. China 🇨🇳 has extended similar visa-free or easy entry programs to dozens of countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and now, South America. In many cases, travelers can also enjoy transit exemptions for up to ten days. The new, more open approach is already reshaping travel trends, with platforms like Trip.com reporting that travel searches soared by more than 160% within minutes after each new rule was announced.

VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that these changes benefit not just the tourists themselves but also the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and retail stores are experiencing a new wave of demand. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing see similar trends, but the effect in Shenzhen stands out as especially robust, likely due to the city’s role as a business and tech hotspot.

The Numbers Behind the Change

It is helpful to break down the growth in simple terms:

• Visa-free entries at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in 2025: Over 152,000 (a rise of 160% from the previous year)
• Total international arrivals at the same airport: More than 531,000 (up 54.6%)
• National visa-free entries in 2024: Over 20.1 million (a rise of 112%)

This table shows just how quickly China’s open-door approach is changing movement into the country:

Beyond Tourism: Deeper Links Across Borders

Relaxed travel rules do more than help vacationers. Experts say these changes help build closer business ties and make it easier for people to share ideas. With more people moving in and out of the country, local companies have more chances to hire international staff, partner with global firms, and learn from different cultures.

For travelers, the simpler visa rules are a relief. No one wants to wait weeks for paperwork to clear or pay expensive fees. The new visa-free policy at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport cuts out much of this frustration. This has a ripple effect: business travelers can make last-minute trips, and families can plan vacations without long delays.

On a wider scale, sectors like hospitality and transportation are reaping the benefits. Hotels in Shenzhen, for instance, report fuller occupancy. Restaurants and bars see a steady stream of international customers. Taxi drivers, shopping malls, and event venues all feel the upswing.

Social Media Star Power and the International Spotlight

Online attention can make or break the reputation of a city. High-profile visits, especially by popular internet personalities, have a snowball effect. When YouTuber IShowSpeed live-streamed his experiences in Shenzhen, viewers across the globe tuned in. Millions got to see the city’s bright lights, crowded shopping centers, and lively nightlife up close, making many want to visit in person.

Events like this are more than rare stunts—they serve as digital invitations. As more videos get shared and trends catch on, the image of Shenzhen as an open, modern, and welcoming city spreads. This helps turn interest into actual bookings through travel websites.

Planning for the Future: What Could Happen Next

With more countries being added to the visa-free policy, the visitor count is set to keep rising. The upcoming addition of South American countries is widely noted as a smart move. It will likely attract more business travelers and tourists who might have chosen other destinations before.

Local officials and companies already discuss plans to scale up. This could mean more staff at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to handle crowds, expanded services for English and other foreign languages, and improved public transportation to help people move around the city. The city’s hotel industry is gearing up for even greater demand, and tourism authorities may offer more multi-language materials online and in airports.

Step-by-Step Guidance: How to Use the Visa-Free Policy

If you are thinking about visiting Shenzhen thanks to the visa-free policy, it’s important to know what is required. In most cases, you’ll need:

1. A passport valid for at least six months.
2. Proof of your return or onward travel plans.
3. Evidence you can cover your costs while in China 🇨🇳.
4. Confirmation of your country’s current visa-free status (check updates, as rules can change quickly).

For the latest and most official guidance, you can visit the China National Immigration Administration website, where detailed information about entry and visa requirements is kept up-to-date.

Addressing Concerns and Varying Views

Not everyone is fully comfortable with the new, more open approach. Some local residents worry about crowding, rising prices for housing or food, or over-tourism in popular areas. These are common issues in any city that becomes a global destination. City planners in Shenzhen are working on ways to spread visitors throughout the city, reduce pressure on popular spots, and keep public services running smoothly for both locals and newcomers.

From the business side, some companies wonder if increased competition from abroad could make it harder for local players. On the flip side, many local entrepreneurs say the extra demand helps everyone, creating more jobs and bringing in money that can improve city services.

What It All Means: A Modern Success Story

Shenzhen stands as a clear example of how fast a city’s reputation can change when the rules change. The visa-free policy at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport does more than increase headcounts. It sets the stage for new friendships, business partnerships, and cultural understanding across continents.

With millions of new visitors each year, Shenzhen is becoming a symbol not just of China’s economic power but also of the country’s efforts to link up with other parts of the world. If the current trends continue, the city is on track to join the likes of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai as one of the top international crossroads in Asia—and possibly the world.

For people and companies thinking about where to travel or invest next, Shenzhen’s story makes one message clear: policy changes can quickly reshape the map, opening up new places and new possibilities in a fast-moving world.

Learn Today

Visa-Free Policy → A government rule allowing travelers from certain countries to enter without obtaining a prior visa for a set time.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport → Major airport in Shenzhen, serving as a primary entry point for international travelers into southern China.
Transit Exemption → A temporary allowance for travelers to pass through a country without a visa, generally for short-term stays.
Expat → A person residing in a country other than their native one, often for work or lifestyle reasons.
Inbound Tourism → The movement of visitors from other countries into a target country for travel or business purposes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Shenzhen’s 2025 visa-free policy is transforming the city into a global destination. Driven by record-breaking arrivals at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and expanded access for travelers from South America, this change stimulates business, tourism, and cultural exchange, propelling Shenzhen towards becoming a premier international hub in Asia, rivaling Singapore and Dubai.
— By VisaVerge.com

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