China's unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay took effect Sunday, with Latin American tourists flocking in.

The visa-free policy takes effect from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, in a bid to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
"I think it's a great opportunity for South American people. China and South America have great relationships and this will help to grow both countries and both nations," said a Peruvian tourist entering Shenzhen from West Kowloon Station, the Hong Kong terminus of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail in south China.

"I think it's amazing, because we can go back and forth. It makes both of the countries generate a better partnership together," an Argentine visitor said at the station.

"So I didn't need to apply for the visa. I'm really happy with this. I will come back sooner probably," echoed a Brazilian tourist.
The West Kowloon Station, serving as a vital transport hub connecting China's mainland and Hong Kong, allows passengers to go through both mainland and Hong Kong border checks in one place within minutes.
According to data from China Immigration at the station, about 550,000 foreign travelers had crossed the station this year as of May 31, a 33 percent year-on-year growth.

"More than 115,000 visits made by foreigners are covered by the visa-free policy, marking a 1.2-fold increase year on year. Most of the visa-free policy beneficiaries came for tourism, business, or family visits, with travelers from the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia ranking as the top three nationalities," said Huang Chun, a China Immigration officer at the Shenzhen side of the West Kowloon Station.

About 10,000 foreign entries are expected at the West Kowloon Station during the ongoing three-day Dragon Boat Festival, which runs from Saturday through Monday.