Latin American travelers are arriving in droves to China after Beijing’s newly launched visa-free entry policy took effect on Sunday, eliminating the need for prior travel authorization for ordinary passport holders from five South American countries.
Citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay can now enter China without a visa, a move that has already sparked a significant increase in tourist arrivals through key transport hubs like Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for South American people,” said a Peruvian tourist crossing into Shenzhen via the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail. “China and South America have great relationships, and this will help to grow both countries and both nations.”
The sentiment was echoed by an Argentinian visitor, who praised the policy for facilitating easier travel. “I think it’s amazing because we can go back and forth. It makes both of the countries generate a better partnership together,” he said.
A Brazilian tourist expressed similar enthusiasm, adding, “So I didn’t need to apply for the visa. I’m really happy with this. I will come back sooner, probably.”
West Kowloon Station Sees Foreign Traffic Surge
The West Kowloon Station, a key entry point linking Hong Kong with mainland China, has emerged as a vital conduit for this new wave of international visitors. The station offers streamlined immigration checks, with border control from both regions integrated in one location.
According to official figures, the station processed about half a million foreign visitors in the first five months of 2025 representing a 33% increase compared to the same period last year.
“More than 115,000 visits made by foreigners are covered by the visa-free policy,” said Huang Chun, a Chinese immigration officer stationed at the Shenzhen checkpoint. “Most of them come for tourism, business, or family visits, with travelers from the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia the top three nationalities.”
The inclusion of Latin American countries under the visa-free program marks a strategic step in expanding China’s global tourism and diplomatic outreach. Analysts say it reflects Beijing’s intent to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural exchange with emerging economies across the Global South.
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