Norway has become the first Scandinavian country to benefit from China’s visa-free entry scheme, aimed at increasing tourism. The new policy allows Norwegian citizens to visit China without a visa, following similar privileges granted to Poland, Australia, and New Zealand earlier this year.
Since January 2024, China has been gradually expanding its visa-free access program. Along with Norway, 11 other European countries and Malaysia have also been added to the list. The program is designed to encourage more visits to China for both business and tourism, while fostering exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals.
The European countries now permitted visa-free entry include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. Polish citizens were included in the scheme starting July 1.
Details on when Norwegian citizens will be able to benefit from this policy are still unclear. The initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance international exchanges and promote economic openness, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
Under the current trial program, visitors can stay in China without a visa for up to 15 days.
China’s international travel is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strict quarantine measures had deterred many travelers for nearly three years. Although these restrictions were lifted early last year, international travel has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Previously, China allowed visa-free entry for citizens from Brunei, Japan, and Singapore. However, this policy was suspended during the pandemic. Visa-free access for Brunei and Singapore resumed in July, but Japan has not yet been reinstated.
In 2023, China recorded 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners, a significant drop from 97.7 million in 2019. The Chinese government is actively seeking foreign investment to stimulate its economy. Notable business figures, including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook, have visited China for trade fairs and meetings. However, foreign tourists remain less common compared to pre-pandemic times.
Interest in China as a tourist destination surged last year, particularly among Europeans. Data from Trip.com revealed a 663% increase in bookings from Europe to China compared to 2022, and a nearly 29% increase from 2019. The UK and Germany were among the top sources of inbound travelers.
Among European travelers, Shanghai continues to be the most popular destination, renowned for its mix of modernity and tradition. Other favored locations include Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Emerging destinations include Sanya, a beach city on Hainan Island, and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.
In addition to the new visa-free policies, China is actively promoting its cultural and historical attractions in partnership with Trip.com. The country is also investing in tourism infrastructure, including technology, travel guides, and e-payment systems, to further enhance the visitor experience.