China’s recent expansion of visa-free travel privileges to 38 countries—including nine new additions such as Japan and several Eastern European nations—has notably excluded African countries. This absence raises questions about China’s approach to visa policies and its relationship with African nations, despite strong economic and political ties.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the reasons behind the exclusion of African countries from China’s visa-free policy and its broader implications:

  1. Focus on Reciprocal Agreements

Visa-free policies are typically mutual. While China has liberalized visa requirements for countries with reciprocal agreements, most African nations still require Chinese travelers to obtain visas. This disparity creates an imbalance, limiting China’s motivation to extend visa-free privileges. Furthermore, Africa’s fragmented approach to travel policies—unlike the unified systems in Europe or ASEAN—may hinder the negotiation of broad, continent-wide visa agreements.

Case in Point:
Many European countries included in China’s visa-free policies allow Chinese citizens streamlined entry. For example, Japan’s visa-free access reflects strong bilateral tourism and trade. African nations, by comparison, do not yet offer similar reciprocity.

  1. Economic and Tourism Factors

The visa-free expansion seems designed to boost tourism and short-term business visits. African nations, while important trade partners, contribute less to China’s inbound tourism sector. In contrast, countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan account for significant tourist flows to China.

African countries’ economic engagement with China often focuses on large-scale investments, trade, and long-term exchanges rather than the short-term travel market that visa-free policies typically target.

Tourism Stats:
China recorded an 8.19 million visitor increase in the third quarter of 2024, with most tourists from Asian and European nations. Africa’s contribution to this figure is comparatively small.

  1. Migration and Overstay Concerns

Past experiences with visa overstays by African nationals have made Chinese authorities cautious. Cities like Guangzhou, once home to the largest African diaspora in Asia, saw issues of irregular migration and undocumented residents. In recent years, China’s tightened visa regulations have significantly reduced these populations, signaling a policy preference for control over openness in migration from Africa.

Example:
Guangzhou’s African population has decreased drastically since 2020, partly due to stricter visa renewals and enforcement. This has contributed to the perception of African migration as a policy challenge rather than an opportunity.

  1. Strategic Regional Focus

China’s visa-free expansions focus on strengthening relationships with Europe and Asia, regions critical to its geopolitical and economic goals under the Belt and Road Initiative. These areas represent key markets, established trade routes, and significant tourism flows. While Africa is vital for resources and infrastructure investment, it does not yet align with the immediate objectives of China’s visa-free initiatives.

Strategic Decisions:
The inclusion of countries like Bulgaria and Romania reflects China’s desire to bolster ties with the European Union, a critical counterbalance to U.S. influence. Africa’s role, while significant, is more long-term and infrastructure-driven rather than travel-focused.

Implications for Africa-China Relations

What Needs to Change?

  1. Perception of Imbalance:
    The exclusion fuels criticism of China’s “one-sided” approach, where African markets remain open to Chinese goods, workers, and investments, but African citizens face hurdles accessing China. This raises concerns about equitable partnerships.
  2. Missed Opportunities:
    Easing visa restrictions could boost sectors like education, tourism, and small-scale trade. China is already a top destination for African students and traders; streamlined entry could strengthen these relationships further.
  3. Calls for Policy Reform:
    African governments and regional bodies like the African Union may push for reciprocal arrangements, leveraging their importance in China’s global supply chain.

Streamlined Agreements:
African countries could negotiate bloc-level agreements, similar to ASEAN or the EU, to create collective leverage.

Broader Scope of Engagement:
China could expand visa-free policies to include African nations, starting with those that already have robust bilateral ties, such as South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Public Diplomacy:
By addressing African citizens’ concerns, China could reinforce its narrative of a “win-win” partnership.

Conclusion

While China’s visa-free policies reflect strategic priorities, excluding African nations highlights a gap in its diplomatic approach. For a relationship touted as mutually beneficial, the disparity in mobility undermines the spirit of cooperation. Including African nations in future expansions could not only strengthen ties but also demonstrate a commitment to balanced and equitable partnerships.