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China’s Extension Of Visa Free Entry For Passport Holders Of European Nations Including France, Spain And Malaysia: Massive Boost To Tourism

Sunday, June 16, 2024

China

The Chinese government has extended its visa-free policy until December 31, 2025, affecting citizens from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and now Malaysia. From March 14, 2024, to November 30, 2024, nationals from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland will be eligible for visa-free entry to Mainland China for up to 15 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. Additionally, New Zealand has been newly included in China’s visa-free entry list.

In 2023, China recorded 35.5 million foreign entries and exits, according to immigration statistics, a significant decrease from the 97.7 million recorded in 2019, pre-pandemic. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in its 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) conducted in collaboration with Oxford Economics, a leading global economic forecaster, announced today that China’s Travel & Tourism sector is poised to contribute a record ¥12.62 trillion to the national economy by year’s end. The report also highlights that domestic travel spending is forecasted to achieve unprecedented levels, with an anticipated economic impact of ¥6.79 trillion in China for 2024.

In recent initiatives to boost inbound tourism and business amid economic recovery post-COVID-19, the Chinese government has been proactive. For instance, Singapore recently agreed with China on a 30-day mutual visa exemption, while Thailand is negotiating a similar reciprocal visa waiver. These efforts aim to expand China’s network of visa-free arrangements.

The government remains committed to fostering new visa-free agreements and enhancing tourism infrastructure to support cross-border travel and boost economic development through increased tourism.

TTW Editor Mr. Anup Keshan said, “China’s infrastructure has seen Colossal development with famous scenic spots boasting of well-equipped transportation, accommodation, and travel services. Additionally, public areas are effectively managed to ensure safety. China has relaxed visa regulations for various countries as part of its strategy to stimulate tourism.”

According to a report by BAL in December 2023, China initially granted unilateral visa-free entry to six nations: France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Spain. Subsequently, the program was extended to include six additional countries: Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.

On a recent official visit to New Zealand, Premier Li Qiang announced plans for visa-free entry for New Zealanders. While currently, citizens of both nations need traditional visas or an APEC business card for entry, China is open to exploring further facilitative measures for bilateral travel. New Zealand, in turn, aims to enhance Chinese language education and cultural exchanges via Confucius Institutes.

Presently, Chinese citizens enjoy visa-free travel to 50 countries but require visas for 116 others globally.

China recently announced significant changes to its visa policies to bolster tourism and international trade. As of May 2024, citizens from 12 European nations along with Malaysia enjoy visa-free entry into China through the end of 2025. The countries benefiting from this extension include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as Malaysia.

This visa exemption allows travelers from these countries to visit China for a variety of purposes, including business, tourism, visiting friends or relatives, and transit, for periods up to 15 days.

Additionally, New Zealand has joined the list of countries enjoying visa-free travel to China, a move announced during a high-level visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to New Zealand. This update marks the first expansion of China’s visa policy to include New Zealand, allowing Kiwis the same 15-day visa-free entry as their European and Malaysian counterparts.

The Chinese government has also relaxed visa requirements for foreign tourists traveling to China via cruise ships. As of May 15, 2024, tourists entering the country in this manner can stay visa-free for up to 15 days.

These changes are part of China’s broader strategy to encourage international visits and deepen bilateral relationships. Following these adjustments, the United Arab Emirates reported receiving 1.2 million Chinese tourists last year and anticipates further growth in tourist numbers this year.

In addition to trade, climate change and human rights were also discussed during Premier Li’s visit to New Zealand, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of China’s international engagements. This development aims to enhance the exchange of people and ideas between China and the world, facilitating greater openness and cooperation.

The Chinese passport is ranked 51st globally according to our Passport Index ratings. Holders of a Chinese passport can travel without a visa to 86 countries.

Visa-Free Countries for Chinese Citizens:

Africa:

Asia:

Europe:

North America:

Oceania:

South America:

Indian Ocean:

Navigating China’s Airports: Your Guide to Effortless Travel

China boasts a comprehensive network of over 200 airports, connecting travelers to various cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, and many others. Major international flights frequently connect China to the rest of the world, along with numerous domestic flights serving regional destinations.

Key hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou serve as primary gateways for air travel within mainland China. Additionally, flights to and from Hong Kong and Macau are classified as international.

Prominent airports in China include: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Kunming Changshui International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport.

China is poised to become the largest air travel market globally, surpassing the United States. Currently home to about 235 airports, there is a growing need to expand and upgrade facilities to meet increasing passenger numbers and flight activities. Projections suggest that by 2035, China may require up to 450 airports to accommodate this surge.

Hong Kong to China Get’s Easier to Travel

The new high-speed sleeper train services connecting Hong Kong with Beijing and Shanghai have launched to enthusiastic reception, with sleeper berths on northbound trains fully booked and a surge in sales for travel-related products. Tourism experts have praised this addition to the high-speed rail network and hope to see the service expanded to more cities. The trains, each carrying over 600 passengers, will operate between Hong Kong and the two mainland cities from Friday to Monday.

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