A seismic shift in travel patterns is underway as Turkey’s newly implemented visa exemption policy for Chinese passport holders triggers an extraordinary surge in travel interest. Effective January 2, 2026, the landmark agreement permits Chinese citizens carrying ordinary passports to enter Turkey for tourism or transit purposes without visa requirements, allowing stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The policy change has generated immediate and substantial market response. Leading Chinese travel platform Qunar reported remarkable spikes in flight searches within hours of the announcement. Istanbul-bound flights witnessed a staggering 630% increase in search volume compared to the previous week, while inquiries for Antalya and Izmir routes grew by 130% and 100% respectively. Competing platform Trip.com simultaneously recorded over 50% year-on-year growth in user engagement regarding Turkish travel options.
This diplomatic development builds upon strengthened aviation connections established between the two nations. In May 2025, China and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding that dramatically expanded flight capacity, increasing weekly passenger flights from 21 to 49. This enhanced connectivity provides the necessary infrastructure to support the anticipated tourism boom.
Travel analytics expert Yang Han from Qunar’s Big Data Research Institute noted that Turkey had already established itself as an increasingly popular destination throughout 2025. ‘The visa-free entry policy effectively eliminates significant travel barriers,’ Yang explained. ‘When combined with the extended nine-day Spring Festival holiday in 2026, we anticipate substantially amplified demand for Turkish tourism during the peak travel period.’
The convergence of simplified entry procedures, expanded flight availability, and favorable holiday scheduling creates ideal conditions for a transformative period in Sino-Turkish tourism relations, potentially establishing Turkey as a premier destination for Chinese travelers seeking international experiences.