China has announced an expansion of its visa-free entry policy, adding nine more countries to its list in a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening international relations.
Starting from November 8, 2024, citizens from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea will be able to visit China for up to 15 days without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, or transit.
This decision brings the total number of countries with 15-day visa-free entry to 25, signaling China’s commitment to reopening its borders and promoting people-to-people exchanges.
The expanded visa-free policy is expected to invigorate the travel industry, including sectors like hospitality, catering, transportation, and retail. It aims to encourage more tourists to explore China’s rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and natural landscapes.
To make travel more convenient, China has enhanced its payment infrastructure. International payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay are widely accepted, and mobile payment apps like WeChat and Alipay now support foreign credit cards, simplifying transactions for international visitors.
China has also implemented policies like the 144-hour visa-free transit, covering 54 countries and extended to 37 entry points, and has allowed foreign tourist groups arriving via cruise ships to stay visa-free for up to 15 days in certain port cities.
These initiatives are yielding results, with 4.88 million foreigners visiting China in the third quarter of this year—a remarkable 78.6% increase compared to the previous year.
The World Travel and Tourism Council projects that China’s travel and tourism sector will contribute a record-breaking 12.62 trillion yuan to the national economy by the end of 2024. Rising inbound travel is set to play a crucial role in achieving the country’s 5% growth target.
China is also enhancing people-to-people exchanges with neighboring countries. Along with South Korea and Japan, China aims to increase mutual visits to 40 million people annually by 2030, boosting regional tourism and economic development.
By extending visa-free entry to more European nations and improving access for travelers, China is sending a strong message of openness and hospitality. Travelers can now more easily experience China’s rich traditions, diverse cultures, and rapid modernization.
With these significant steps toward opening up, China is poised to strengthen its position as a premier global tourist destination, inviting the world to explore its wonders.
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China's recent visa-free policy further enhances economic prospects
cgtn.com
