Turkey visa-free travel for Chinese citizens will officially begin on January 2, 2026, following a presidential decision published in the Official Gazette. The new regulation removes visa requirements for Chinese passport holders traveling to Türkiye for tourism or transit purposes, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to the decision signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, citizens of the People’s Republic of China holding ordinary passports will be allowed to enter Türkiye without a visa for short-term visits. The policy applies to both touristic travel and transit passages.
90 Days Stay Within 180 Days
Under the new visa exemption, Chinese citizens will be permitted to stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The rule aligns with international travel standards and is expected to simplify travel planning for tourists and business travelers alike.
Officials believe the move will significantly boost tourism, increase people-to-people contact, and contribute positively to economic ties between Ankara and Beijing.
Decision Published in the Official Gazette
The regulation was formally announced through the Official Gazette and will come into force on January 2, 2026. This confirms earlier expectations that Türkiye would take concrete steps to attract more visitors from China, one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets.
The announcement coincided with President Erdoğan’s participation in a signing ceremony between China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, highlighting the growing economic cooperation between the two nations.
A Growing Strategic Partnership
Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and China began in 1971 and were elevated to the level of Strategic Cooperation in 2010. In recent years, relations have accelerated, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, and technology.
Trade volume between the two countries has grown dramatically. While total bilateral trade stood at just $1 billion in 2001, it exceeded $48 billion by 2024, reaching a record high.
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Türkiye exported $3.4 billion worth of goods to China in 2024, while imports from China reached $44.9 billion, underlining the scale of economic exchange.
China’s Interest in Türkiye Increases
China’s interest in Türkiye has expanded beyond tourism. In 2024, reports suggested that the two countries were considering partnerships to process raw materials used in electric vehicle production. Such cooperation could make Türkiye more attractive for Chinese EV and battery manufacturers.
As the European Union began imposing additional customs duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, Türkiye emerged as a strategic alternative due to its customs union with the EU. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly looking for ways to access European markets through Türkiye.
Major Investments Already Underway
BYD has already signed an agreement to establish a production facility in Türkiye. In addition, Turkish authorities have held separate talks with Chery Automobile, SAIC Motor Corp., and Great Wall Motor, signaling a long-term industrial partnership between the two countries.
Will Turks Travel Visa-Free to China?
While Turkey visa-free travel for Chinese citizens has been confirmed, Turkish citizens are still required to obtain a visa to travel to China. There has been no official announcement regarding a reciprocal visa exemption for Turkish passport holders.
However, the latest decision has raised public interest and expectations about potential future steps toward mutual visa facilitation.
Tourism and Economy Expected to Benefit
Experts believe the visa-free policy will lead to a noticeable increase in Chinese tourist arrivals, benefiting Türkiye’s hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. The move is also seen as a signal of Türkiye’s openness to global partnerships and international mobility.
With its historical sites, coastal destinations, and cultural attractions, Türkiye aims to become a more accessible and appealing destination for Chinese travelers starting in 2026.
