China Expands Visa-Free Entry to Include Norway, Aiming to Boost Tourism.
In a significant move to enhance tourism and business exchanges, China has extended its visa-free entry program to include Norway. This makes Norway the first Scandinavian country to benefit from this initiative.
This step is part of China’s broader strategy to reclaim its status as a leading international travel destination following the pandemic. The country is opening its doors to travelers from various European nations and beyond.
Expatriates residing in Norway, as well as those in other European countries already covered by the visa-free policy (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland), can now visit China without a visa for up to 15 days.
China’s Efforts to Revive Tourism
China is working to rejuvenate its tourism sector and streamline business and cultural exchanges. Although an official start date for Norway’s visa-free access has not yet been announced, it is expected to be implemented by the end of the year. This presents a timely opportunity for those planning visits to major Chinese cities like Shanghai or Beijing or considering business engagements in China.
China’s Post-Pandemic Tourism Strategy
The pandemic had a severe impact on international travel to China, with strict quarantine measures and border controls significantly reducing visitor numbers. In 2023, China saw 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners, down from 97.7 million in 2019. However, the introduction of visa-free policies and other travel incentives signals China’s readiness to welcome international visitors once again.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “The aim is to facilitate high-quality development of Chinese and foreign personnel exchanges and promote a high-level opening to the outside world.” This move is intended to attract not only tourists but also international business leaders and investors, which could provide a boost to China’s recovering economy.
Data from Trip.com shows a significant increase in interest from European travelers, with bookings from Europe to China rising by 663% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Shanghai remains a popular destination, followed by Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Emerging destinations like Sanya, known for its beaches on Hainan Island, and Chengdu, famous for its giant pandas, are also gaining traction.
Germany and the United Kingdom were key sources of tourists to China last year. With the new visa-free policies, it is expected that more European travelers will take advantage of the opportunity for a quick and easy visit.