Türkiye lifts visa requirement for Chinese visitors

ANKARA

Türkiye will introduce a visa exemption for citizens of China travelling for tourism or transit, under a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette.

The decision, effective Jan. 2, 2026, applies to Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, according to the decree.

The move is expected to support tourism and strengthen broader economic links between the two countries.

Türkiye and China established diplomatic relations in 1971, and elevated ties to the level of “Strategic Cooperation” in 2010.

Trade between the two has expanded sharply over the past two decades. In 2024, Türkiye’s exports to China were about $3.4 billion, while imports from China were about $44.9 billion.