Imagine strolling through Istanbul's Grand Bazaar without visa hassles 🎉! Starting January 2, 2026, travelers from the Chinese mainland can explore Türkiye visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period ✈️🕌.
The presidential decree, signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and published in the Official Gazette on January 1, 2026, lifts visa requirements for ordinary passport holders from the Chinese mainland. This new rule applies to both tourism and transit visits.
This move aims to deepen trade and tourism ties between Türkiye and the Chinese mainland. In 2024, arrivals from the Chinese mainland jumped 65.1 percent year-on-year to about 410,000 visitors, powered by more direct flights and growing interest in heritage sites like the Hagia Sophia and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
For young entrepreneurs and investors, easier travel means more chances to network at Istanbul’s dynamic business expos and explore e-commerce partnerships. Students and researchers can attend conferences or dive into Türkiye’s rich archives, while diaspora communities and culture buffs can reconnect with historic roots.
As Türkiye and the Chinese mainland step into this new visa-free era, expect a boom in cultural exchanges, business collaborations, and unforgettable adventures 🌏🤝. Ready to pack your bags?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
