"Starting June this year, Chileans can visit China visa-free! I eagerly await my family's visit soon," Carolina Araya, a Chilean national, shared what she called "great news" on her WeChat Moments. Many of her friends gave her likes.

Currently a Spanish language instructor at Anhui International Studies University in east China, Araya reminisced about a visit by her parents almost six years ago. "I really hope they can make it later this year," she said.

Moreover, it's not just Chileans who will benefit. Effective June 1, 2025, China will expand its visa-free access to also include citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, with a trial period lasting until May 31, 2026.

Holders of ordinary passports from these five Latin American nations may enjoy visa-free entry to China for various reasons -- including business trips, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges or simply transit -- for no more than 30 days, said a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry at a recent news briefing.

Introduced at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing earlier this month, this policy aligns with China's broader initiative to extend visa exemptions and foster friendly exchanges with more Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries.

POTENTIAL TRAVEL RUSH

Filipe Porto, a Brazilian academic who has spent over a year in China, said the country will probably become the first overseas travel choice for his 52-year-old mother.

"My mother has never traveled abroad," said Porto, who is a researcher in international relations with the Federal University of ABC, Brazil. He is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of his Brazilian friends, who, according to Porto, used to find the visa application process a hassle.

Situated on opposite sides of the globe, travel between Latin America and China once presented significant challenges, stemming not only from visa complexities but also vast distances. Nowadays, however, increased air connectivity coupled with relaxed visa restrictions have brought these distant lands much closer.

In 2024, a direct flight was launched connecting Mexico City and south China's Shenzhen. Covering more than 14,000 kilometers, it is the longest direct international passenger route from China.

Other routes, such as Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo, Beijing-Madrid-Havana and Beijing-Tijuana-Mexico City, have also strengthened links between China and LAC nations.

Data from online travel platforms shows huge potential for inbound tourism from the five Latin American countries that will soon enjoy visa-free status. This year, Ctrip, a leading Chinese online travel platform, reported 168 percent year-on-year growth in inbound tourism orders from Argentina, while orders from both Brazil and Chile saw a growth of over 80 percent.

Ctrip Vice President Qin Jing said China's visa-free policy trial with countries like Brazil will not only spark an increased flow of cross-border tourism but also serve as an innovative step in promoting deeper cultural dialogue and shared values between China and the five Latin American nations. "We can expect the inbound tourism market to usher in a new, dynamic and reciprocal pattern in the near future," she said.

Federico Carabajal, a 32-year-old Argentinian winemaker, has spent more than a year working at the Stone and Moon Winery in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China. During this time, he has explored a number of Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, southwest China's Chengdu and Chongqing, and Xi'an in the northwest.

"China is further opening up to the world. The country is trying to showcase its rich culture, history, cuisine, technologies and smart cities to the world," Carabajal said. "Besides, traveling in China is very safe. It's also much cheaper than in many other countries."