Tourism in China set to Soar as Poland Joins Spain, Italy, France and 11 other European Nations in Visa-Free Travel

Published on June 25, 2024

By: Rana Pratap

Poland joins China’s visa-free list with 11 other European nations, including Spain, Italy, and France, to boost tourism and enhance international exchanges.

China has expanded its visa-free travel program to include Poland, Australia, and New Zealand, valid until the end of 2025. Polish citizens are the latest to enjoy China’s visa-free policy, a move designed to stimulate tourism.

Starting in early 2024, this initiative was rolled out in phases, initially benefiting 11 other European countries and Malaysia. The goal is to attract more visitors for business travel, luxury travel and tourism and foster interactions between Chinese citizens and foreign nationals.

Citizens from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland now have visa-free entry to China until the end of next year. Polish citizens will be able to join this list starting July 1.

The aim is “to facilitate the high-quality development of exchanges between Chinese and foreign personnel and to enhance openness to the outside world,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a briefing on the initial announcement in November.

The trial program allows a visa-free stay of up to 15 days.

China had earlier extended its visa exemption policy to 11 European countries and Malaysia, effective through 2025.

Initially launched in stages from the beginning of 2024 and intended to last for a year, the policy is designed to promote business and tourism visits, encouraging interaction between Chinese residents and international visitors.

While international travel to China is gradually recovering, stringent pandemic protocols, including mandatory quarantines for all arrivals, had deterred visitors for nearly three years. These restrictions were lifted early last year, but international travel has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

In 2023, China saw 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners, a significant drop from 97.7 million in 2019, the last year before the pandemic.

China is actively seeking foreign investment to revitalize its slowing economy. Some international business leaders, including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook, have participated in trade fairs and meetings, although foreign tourists remain less frequent than before the pandemic.