New Visa-Free Entry Policy
China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy, allowing citizens from nine additional countries to enter the country without a visa. This strategic move is aimed at boosting tourism and business travel, with nationalities from South Korea, Norway, and Finland among the new entrants. Starting November 8, these travelers can enjoy entry into China for various purposes, including business, tourism, family visits, or transit, for up to 15 days.
Countries Included in the Policy
The list of countries benefiting from this policy has expanded, now encompassing Slovakia, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein, in addition to the newly included nations. The implementation of this policy is set to last until December 31, 2025, providing a significant opportunity for increased international visits.
Impact on Tourism
This initiative follows a previous expansion of visa-free entry, which included citizens from Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia last month, making a total of 17 European countries eligible. The positive effects on tourism are already visible, with China welcoming approximately 95 million inbound tourists in the first nine months of this year—a remarkable 55.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure is nearly equivalent to 93.4% of inbound tourist numbers from 2019.
To further enhance the experience for international visitors, the Chinese government has mandated that major tourist attractions accept various payment methods, including foreign bank cards, QR codes, and cash, making it easier for tourists to enjoy their stay.
