A Portuguese political science professor, Pedro Antunes, has said that visa-free entry into Portugal and the European Union is unlikely to be guaranteed for Chinese nationals.
Such a statement from Antunes was made after China asked for reciprocity when it dropped the visa requirements for short stays for Portuguese nationals, Schengen.News reports.
In late September of this year, China decided to add Portugal to the list of countries whose nationals do not need to obtain visas. Under the new rules, since October 15, Portuguese nationals have been enjoying visa-free entry for stays of up to 15 days in China for tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, and transit purposes.
On the other hand, Chinese nationals continue to be subject to visa requirements when reaching the bloc.
This pushed the Chinese authorities to ask for a reciprocal measure when it lifted visas for Portuguese nationals, suggesting that Chinese passport holders should also be permitted unrestricted entry into the territory of Portugal.
Visa Exemption Decision Needs to Be Made by the EU
Commenting on this request, Professor Antunes emphasised that since Portugal is part of the EU, the country cannot make a decision on its own.
At the same time, as Platforma explains, he stressed that the EU has been holding back the advance of China in Europe for a long time, with visa rules playing an important role in this matter.
However, there are some who do not see the issue with granting visa-free entry to Chinese nationals.
2-Week Visits to EU Are Not a Threat, PorCham President Stresses
According to the president of PorCham, João Pedro Pereira, there is no problem with reciprocity with China.
As Platforma notes, he stressed that two weeks of stay by Chinese nationals in the bloc are not a threat to the EU and that the authorities should look at the bright side.
The Sino-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry also thinks that reciprocity in visa-free travel would be advantageous for Portugal as a higher number of Chinese tourists would choose Portugal as their travel destination.
Nationals of 18 EU Countries Are Currently Permitted Visa-Free Entry to China
In the last year, China has gradually lifted the visa requirements for citizens of several EU countries.
Currently, the list of EU countries whose citizens are permitted to enter China without a visa for stays not exceeding 15 days includes Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.
The measure for visa-free entry to China for nationals of these countries will remain effective until December 31, 2025. Once it expires, the Chinese authorities might decide to extend it again.
Source: https://schengen.news/visa-free-entry-to-eu-unlikely-to-be-granted-for-chinese-nationals-portuguese-professor-says/
