Chinese authorities have prolonged their visa-free policy for citizens of 12 nations until 2025.
Key Points:
Initially, in December 2023, the Chinese government initiated a unilateral visa exemption for six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Spain. Subsequently, the policy expanded to include six more nations: Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
The initial policy allowed visa-free entry from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. After including six additional countries, the timeframe was adjusted to March 14 to November 30, 2024.
Now, the policy has been extended until December 31, 2025, granting nationals holding ordinary passports from all 12 countries a 15-day visa-free travel opportunity to China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit purposes.
Background: China has recently implemented several measures to boost inbound tourism from foreign visitors and spur economic recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic. Singaporean authorities have announced a mutual 30-day visa exemption agreement with China, while Thai officials are in talks for a reciprocal visa waiver program, further broadening China’s list of visa-free arrangements.
Analysis: The government’s emphasis on new visa-free initiatives and improving tourism infrastructure aims to facilitate cross-border travel and bolster inbound tourism, thereby fostering economic growth.