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China extends visa-free entry to nine additional countries


Robert Besser
26 Nov 2024

BEIJING, China: China has announced it will extend visa-free entry to citizens of nine additional countries as part of efforts to revitalize its economy through increased tourism and business travel.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, Starting November 30, travelers from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan will be able to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.

This move raises the total number of countries with visa-free access to 38, a sharp increase from the three countries that held such status before the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions on visa-free entry had been eliminated during the pandemic, with gradual reinstatement beginning last year.

The inclusion of Japan is particularly noteworthy, reflecting recent efforts by both nations to mend strained relations. Japan had previously enjoyed visa-free entry before the pandemic and had consistently requested its reinstatement.

"We hope the visa exemption measure announced by the Chinese side will contribute to further smooth our exchanges between Japan and China," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi in Tokyo.

The length of stay under visa-free entry has been extended from 15 to 30 days, and the policy will now apply to individuals participating in academic, cultural, and other exchanges. China is promoting such "people-to-people" exchanges to improve international relations, especially amid strained ties with some nations.

During the pandemic, China maintained some of the strictest entry restrictions globally, lifting them much later than most countries. It began restoring visa-free access in July 2023, starting with Brunei and Singapore, followed by six European nations in December 2023: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.

The push for expanded visa-free entry aligns with global trends, as other nations, such as Thailand, have introduced similar measures to attract Chinese tourists.

Between July and September this year, China recorded 8.2 million foreign entries, with 4.9 million arriving visa-free, according to the official Xinhua News Agency, citing a Foreign Ministry consular official.

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