In a strategic move, the Chinese government has made travel easier. It extended its visa-free program until 2025. Originally, this was a one-year trial set for 2024. Now, people from 11 European countries can visit China without a visa for 15 days.
This change aims to boost travel to China and improve international ties. Mao Ning from the Foreign Ministry mentioned it would help in exchanging skills and ideas. The countries benefiting include Austria, Belgium, France, and others.
Travel to China is picking up after a three-year low in visits. This visa-free program is meant to increase tourists coming into the country. Notably, Elon Musk and Tim Cook have attended business events in China recently.
Still, the number of foreign visitors is less than before the pandemic. As of 2023, there were 35.5 million entries, a drop from 97.7 million in 2019.
China is making it easier for Europeans to visit by working with Trip.com. It has also invested in better travel infrastructure. These steps are part of a bigger plan to make traveling to China easier and more welcoming for visitors.
Overview of China’s Extended Visa-Free Entry Paypalicy
China has expanded its visa-free entry policy. This big step is to boost tourism and strengthen global ties. The policy, extended beyond its initial one-year plan, now welcomes travelers for business or fun. This move helps China’s aim to foster deeper connections with visitors worldwide.
Background and Aim
This visa-free policy extension is all about boosting tourism and global friendship. It makes entering China easier for tourists and business people. The idea is to encourage more visits to China, making trips within the visa period simpler.
Countries Included
Several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, and France, now enjoy 15-day, visa-free travel to China. This is for tourism, business, or seeing family and friends. It means easier travel for people from these places, aiming to bring more Europeans to China.
Traveler Feedback and Benefits
Travelers are loving the easier access to China. The simpler process for travel documents is a big hit. This has led to more Europeans planning trips to China, as travel agencies show. The policy shows China’s desire to create stronger bonds with Europe and ease travel for many.
China Extends Visa-Free
China is now allowing passport holders from six more European countries to enter without a visa. These countries are Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Visitors can stay for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting friends or family, and passing through.
China also lets travelers visit Hainan for 30 days without a visa. This policy is for various activities like business, family gatherings, medical purposes, exhibitions, and sports events.
China and Singapore have started allowing each other’s citizens to visit without a visa for up to 30 days. This is for tourism, seeing family, or business trips. France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia have a similar deal for 15-day stays.
Now, Norway is part of China’s 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy starting November 17, 2023. This makes short stays easier during flight connections. Also, from March 2024, China and Thailand will start a permanent visa-free agreement.
From December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2024, China will cut visa fees by 25% for visa applicants. This move aims to make traveling easier and increase movement. The visa exemption program’s success is shown by a significant rise in visa-free visitors reaching 1.98 million in the first quarter, a 266.1% increase from last year.
New flights between Shanghai and Marseille are coming, along with Bahrain and Mexico restarting their flights to China. These changes should boost tourism and make travel smoother under the new entry rules.
Impact on Tourism and Business
China’s visa exemption program has been extended until 2025. It includes 11 European countries and Malaysia. Travelers can now enter without a visa for up to 15 days. This makes travel easier for them. In 2023, 35.5 million foreigners entered or left China, down from 97.7 million in 2019. This new policy is expected to help recover those numbers. It aims to bring about a surge in travel, similar to last year’s 663% increase in European bookings.
Business prospects look good too, as this policy welcomes global business leaders. They come for trade fairs and build connections in China. The United Kingdom and Germany send the most travelers. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing, along with Sanya and Chengdu, are getting ready. They’re improving tourist services and integrating new technology. E-payment systems are also getting better. All these efforts are to attract more tourists and business visitors.
China has also made visa deals with the United States. This includes easier renewal for visa holders through the Interview Waiver Program. Visa fees have not gone up. But, tensions with the United States pose challenges. Still, the aim is to get tourism back to 2019 levels by late 2024 or early 2025. This shows confidence in a strong future for international visits.
