Türkiye has officially scrapped visa requirements for Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports, effective 2 January 2026. Under the presidential decree published in the Official Gazette, Chinese visitors may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or transit purposes.([english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20260106/d6f618870b1447e39343537aa7f590bb/c.html?utm_source=openai))
The decision is strategically timed to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and to capitalise on pent-up Chinese demand for long-haul leisure travel. Turkish tourism boards expect arrivals from China to surpass the pre-pandemic record of 565,000 by the end of 2026, generating an additional US $800 million in visitor spending.
For Chinese corporates, the 90-day allowance simplifies extended project work, site inspections and after-sales service trips that previously required multiple e-visa applications. Mobility teams should, however, note that work, study and press activities still need the appropriate Turkish permits.
![Türkiye’s New Visa-Free Regime Opens 90-Day Stays for Chinese Travellers]()
VisaHQ, an online visa consultancy trusted by individual travelers and corporate mobility teams alike, can help Chinese nationals navigate these remaining permit requirements—or coordinate onward travel to countries that still demand visas—through its dedicated China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/). The platform provides real-time policy updates, document checklists, and expedited filing services, ensuring compliance even as destinations like Türkiye relax their entry rules.
Airlines are already adjusting capacity. China Southern intends to up-gauge Guangzhou–Istanbul services to daily A350 flights, while Turkish Airlines is evaluating direct Xi’an and Chengdu links. Chinese tech exporters see the policy as a springboard for deeper Belt-and-Road logistics integration via Türkiye’s burgeoning rail-freight hubs.
Travel-risk managers should update destination profiles: although entry is visa-free, travellers must present hotel confirmation or onward tickets on request and retain proof of medical insurance covering their stay.
The decision is strategically timed to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and to capitalise on pent-up Chinese demand for long-haul leisure travel. Turkish tourism boards expect arrivals from China to surpass the pre-pandemic record of 565,000 by the end of 2026, generating an additional US $800 million in visitor spending.
For Chinese corporates, the 90-day allowance simplifies extended project work, site inspections and after-sales service trips that previously required multiple e-visa applications. Mobility teams should, however, note that work, study and press activities still need the appropriate Turkish permits.
VisaHQ, an online visa consultancy trusted by individual travelers and corporate mobility teams alike, can help Chinese nationals navigate these remaining permit requirements—or coordinate onward travel to countries that still demand visas—through its dedicated China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/). The platform provides real-time policy updates, document checklists, and expedited filing services, ensuring compliance even as destinations like Türkiye relax their entry rules.
Airlines are already adjusting capacity. China Southern intends to up-gauge Guangzhou–Istanbul services to daily A350 flights, while Turkish Airlines is evaluating direct Xi’an and Chengdu links. Chinese tech exporters see the policy as a springboard for deeper Belt-and-Road logistics integration via Türkiye’s burgeoning rail-freight hubs.
Travel-risk managers should update destination profiles: although entry is visa-free, travellers must present hotel confirmation or onward tickets on request and retain proof of medical insurance covering their stay.
