Turkey Announces Visa-Free: Turkey has announced a new visa-free travel policy for citizens of the People’s Republic of China, a move expected to accelerate tourism, transit travel, and broader economic ties between the two countries.
In a statement referenced by Chinese state media Xinhua, the Turkish government said the policy will take effect on January 2, 2026, covering Chinese nationals who hold ordinary (public) passports.
90 Days Within 180 Days: Tourism and Transit Covered
According to the decision published in Turkey’s Official Gazette, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a presidential decree granting visa exemption to ordinary passport holders from China for tourism and transit purposes.
Under the rule, Chinese citizens will be able to stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without applying for a visa.
A Step Aimed at Boosting Tourism and Economic Cooperation
The new visa policy is widely seen as a measure that could strengthen Turkey–China tourism flows and support commercial engagement. Diplomatic relations between Ankara and Beijing were elevated to the level of “Strategic Cooperation” in 2010, and bilateral economic interaction has expanded significantly since then.
Turkey–China Trade Hits Record Levels
Trade between the two countries has surged over the past two decades. Bilateral trade volume—around $1 billion in 2001—exceeded $48 billion by 2024, reaching a record level.
According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data for 2024, Turkey’s exports to China stood at $3.4 billion, while imports reached $44.9 billion.
China’s Automakers Look to Turkey as a Strategic Gateway
As the European Union introduces additional customs measures on Chinese-made electric vehicles, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly exploring Turkey as a strategic route for market access—supported by Turkey’s Customs Union framework with the EU.
Chinese EV giant BYD has signed an agreement to establish a factory in Turkey. Ankara has also held separate talks with Chery Automobile, SAIC Motor, and Great Wall Motor, reflecting growing interest in industrial cooperation.
Visa Rules Remain Different for Turkish Travelers to China
While Turkey is opening visa-free entry for Chinese visitors, Turkish citizens generally still need a visa to enter China. Additionally, individual tourist visa applications are not currently available in the framework described in the provided report.
Other Countries with Visa-Free Entry to Turkey
China joins a broader list of countries whose citizens can enter Turkey without a visa. The list includes:
- North America & Europe: United States; European Union countries
- Caucasus & Middle East: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan
- Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau
- Eurasia: Russia, Kazakhstan
- Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
- Central America & Caribbean: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago
