China has further relaxed its visa policies for European travelers, granting visa-free entry to five more European countries starting October 15, 2024. This brings the total number of European countries eligible for visa-free travel to China up to 18.
China has announced new visa-free travel policies for citizens of five more European countries, bringing the total to 18, further expanding its efforts to boost tourism and business exchanges.
The expanded visa exemption program reflects China’s commitment to strengthening global connections and facilitating smoother, short-term travel.
Visa-Free Entry for Five European Countries
Starting October 15, 2024, travelers from Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, and Slovenia will be able to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. This new policy applies to visits for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, or transit and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.
This latest development brings the total number of European countries eligible for visa-free travel to China to 18, including nations such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain.
Expanding Visa-Free Access Across Europe and Beyond
Earlier this year, Norway joined China’s visa-free list, and in July, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand were also added to the visa-free program. This phased approach to visa exemptions, which began in early 2024, highlights China’s ongoing commitment to promoting business and tourism ties with Europe, Oceania, and other regions.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that the initiative aims to support “the high-quality development of exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals,” creating opportunities for deeper cultural and economic engagement.
Full List of Visa-Free Countries
As of now, the European countries eligible for visa-free entry into China include:
1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Cyprus
4. Denmark
5. France
6. Germany
7. Greece
8. Hungary
9. Ireland
10. Italy
11. Luxembourg
12. Netherlands
13. Norway
14. Poland
15. Portugal
16. Slovenia
17. Spain
18. Switzerland
Tourists from these nations can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 15 days until the end of 2025, making China an even more accessible destination for short-term business trips and vacations.
Encouraging Global Tourism and Business
China has seen a significant increase in international visitors in 2024, with 95 million tourists entering the country in the first nine months alone, a 55.4% increase compared to the previous year. This figure represents 93.4% of the tourism numbers seen before the pandemic in 2019.
To enhance the travel experience for foreign visitors, the Chinese government has made it mandatory for major tourist attractions to accept various payment methods, including foreign bank cards, QR codes, and cash.
This move is part of a broader effort to ensure a smoother and more convenient experience for international tourists.
Final Words
China’s expanded visa-free travel policy is set to strengthen international relations and attract more visitors from Europe and beyond. By simplifying entry for short-term stays, China continues to position itself as a key destination for tourism and global business exchanges.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/china-expands-visa-free-travel-to-18-european-countries/
