China has taken steps to boost its tourism sector by temporarily waiving visa requirements for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.
Visa Exemption Period
The spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, announced on Friday the visa exemption period is in effect from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024.
Purpose and Duration of Visit
Citizens from these six countries can now visit China for various purposes, including business, tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting. They can stay for up to 15 days without the need for a visa.
Extended Travel Facilitation
China’s efforts to facilitate travel go beyond this recent announcement. In the preceding week, the country expanded its visa-free transit policies to encompass 54 countries, with Norway being the latest addition. Foreign travellers transiting through China to reach a third country can now enjoy a six-day stay in specific Chinese cities without the hassle of obtaining a visa.
As of the end of October, the National Immigration Administration reported a notable surge in the number of foreigners visiting China, reaching 26.51 million.
These initiatives mark China’s commitment to making travel more accessible and attractive, contributing to the growth of its tourism sector.
