Announcement on Visa-Free Policy for Tourist Groups from ASEAN Countries to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan

Date: April 12, 2025

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China, under approval from the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, has officially implemented a new visa-free policy for tourist groups from ASEAN countries visiting Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), a popular tourist destination in Yunnan Province. This policy is part of China’s efforts to further boost tourism and strengthen ties with neighboring ASEAN nations.

Key Details of the Policy:

Eligible Countries: The policy applies to tourist groups consisting of two or more ordinary passport holders from the following ASEAN countries:
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia

Points of Entry:

• Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport

• Mohan Railway Port

• Mohan Highway Port

These are the designated ports through which eligible tourists can enter and exit China without the need for a visa.

Requirements:

• The travel must be organized by a licensed Chinese travel agency.

• Tourists must adhere to the “group in, group out” travel arrangement, meaning they must enter and exit China as part of a tour group, and not as individual travelers.

Duration of Stay:

• The stay within Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州) is limited to 6 days.

• The count of days starts from 00:00 on the day after entry.

Geographical Limitation:

• The visa-free travel applies only within the administrative region of Xishuangbanna, meaning travelers will not be able to travel to other areas of Yunnan or China under this policy.

Exemption from Visa Requirements:

• The policy applies to ASEAN tourists who are part of the group-based arrangement. For those individuals who fall under China’s mutual visa exemption agreements with their home countries or under China’s unilateral visa exemption regulations, the respective rules will apply.

Important Notes:

This visa-free policy is aimed at promoting tourism and economic cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, allowing easier access to the scenic Xishuangbanna area, which is well-known for its lush landscapes, tropical rainforests, and rich ethnic culture.

Tourists are encouraged to make travel arrangements through licensed agencies to ensure compliance with the “group in, group out” regulation. Unauthorized or non-group travelers may not be permitted to enter under this visa-free policy.

For those wishing to stay longer or visit other regions outside of Xishuangbanna, regular visa applications will be required.

The Announcement:

This announcement has been officially issued by the National Immigration Administration and applies immediately to any qualifying tourist groups. It aims to facilitate travel, promote tourism in the region, and build stronger ties with neighboring Southeast Asian nations.

Issued by:
National Immigration Administration (NIA)
Date: February 10, 2025