The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering and a critical artery for global trade, is once again in the international spotlight following President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about reclaiming the waterway for the United States. Trump’s threats to demand the canal’s return, potentially through military force, have reignited discussions about the canal’s significance and its complex history.

Since its construction began in the late 19th century, the Panama Canal has been a symbol of both political tension and human achievement. Spanning 50 miles (80 kilometers) across the Isthmus of Panama, the canal has revolutionized global trade by linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving ships months of perilous travel around South America’s Cape Horn.

Ana Elizabeth González, executive director of the Panama Canal Museum, emphasized the canal’s diverse history, pointing out that it was built by workers from 97 countries who contributed their labor, and in many cases, their lives, to its construction. The project was a testament to international cooperation, overcoming challenges in both engineering and geopolitics.

Today, the Panama Canal is not just a key piece of infrastructure but a popular tourist destination. In 2024, the Miraflores Visitor Center alone attracted around 820,000 visitors, a number that is expected to increase as tourism continues to rise. The canal’s role in global commerce is undeniable, with approximately 5% of all global trade passing through it annually. It is especially crucial for cargo traveling between the U.S. East Coast and Asia, with about 40% of all U.S. containers relying on the canal.

The canal’s impact on international trade cannot be overstated. Before its opening in 1914, ships had to navigate the treacherous Cape Horn, a journey that could take months and claimed the lives of thousands of sailors. The canal reduced travel time by five months and saved ships a staggering 8,000 miles (12,875 kilometers) in distance.

In recent years, the canal underwent a significant expansion, completing a multibillion-dollar project in 2016 to accommodate larger vessels known as NeoPanamax. This expansion has further solidified the canal’s position as a vital global trade route.

For those interested in visiting this engineering wonder, there are several ways to experience the canal. Tourists can visit the Miraflores or Agua Clara Visitor Centers, where they can watch ships pass through the locks, or take guided tours to explore the canal’s history and ongoing operations. Miraflores also features an IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman, offering an in-depth look at the canal’s past and its crucial role in modern shipping.

As Panama continues to thrive due to the canal’s revenue—approximately $5 billion in 2024—the waterway remains a central part of the nation’s economy and identity. With global attention once again focused on this historic landmark, the Panama Canal’s future is as pivotal as ever in connecting nations and economies across the world.

China has announced a major expansion of its visa-free transit policy, tripling the allowable stay from 72 hours to 240 hours (10 days). The move aims to attract more international visitors as the country continues its efforts to revive tourism post-pandemic.

The Chinese State Administration of Immigration revealed that citizens from over 50 countries, including the United States, are eligible for the extended visa-free layover program. The policy allows travelers with confirmed flight bookings to a third destination to obtain a visa upon arrival at select Chinese airports and explore the country for up to 10 days before departing.

Record Tourism Numbers

The strategy appears to be yielding results. According to the National Immigration Administration, the third quarter of 2024 saw a record number of foreign visitors entering mainland China since tracking began in 2014. Between January and November 2024, over 29 million foreigners entered the country, marking an 86.2% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 17 million utilized the visa-free program, reflecting a year-on-year surge of 123.3%.

Shanghai emerged as the most popular entry point, welcoming over four million visa-free travelers during this period.

Expanded Regional Access

Under the updated policy, eligible visitors can now travel across 24 provincial regions, an increase from the previous 19. These include major tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. However, access to special regions like Tibet and Xinjiang still requires additional permissions.

Additionally, Hong Kong and Macao qualify as third destinations under the program, further enhancing travel flexibility for international tourists.

Simplified Visa and Payment Processes

In recent years, China has made sweeping changes to simplify travel for foreigners. For U.S. citizens, the country eliminated the need for hotel bookings, tour itineraries, and flight confirmations as part of the visa application process.

Tourism accessibility has also been bolstered through advancements in e-payment systems. China’s two largest platforms, WeChat and Alipay, now accept international credit cards, offer built-in translation tools, and feature streamlined identity verification processes. The government has also mandated that major tourist attractions and high-end hotels accept international credit cards.

Boosting Global Appeal

China’s expanded visa-free program aligns with its broader ambitions to cement its status as a premier global destination. The policy changes not only make travel more convenient but also ensure that international visitors can explore a larger portion of the country without bureaucratic hurdles.

As China reopens to the world, these initiatives signal its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and traveler-friendly environment.