Summary
Thirteen European countries can visit China visa-free until the end of 2025, including Norway, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. The program aims to enhance tourism and promote cultural exchanges. Visa-free stays are valid for up to 15 days. Despite a slow recovery in international travel post-pandemic, interest from Europe has surged significantly this year.

Thirteen countries across Europe can enjoy visa-free travel to China up until the end of 2025, a significant move aimed at enhancing tourism. Norway becomes the first Scandinavian nation to be included in this scheme. Recent additions to the list include Poland, Australia, and New Zealand, which were granted unrestricted entry in June. The initiative, which started in stages from January 2024, also includes Malaysia and aims to foster greater interaction among international travelers and Chinese citizens. Eligible nations now include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, in addition to Poland, which was added on July 1. While the exact timeline for Norwegian entry remains unclear, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has indicated that this policy is designed to enhance high-quality exchanges and foster economic development. Visa-free access will be valid for stays of up to 15 days under this trial program. The rebound of international travel to China has been gradual since the lifting of strict pandemic regulations, which had previously deterred foreign visitors for nearly three years. The Chinese government has reported 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners in 2023, significantly below the pre-pandemic figure of 97.7 million in 2019. A renewed effort is being made to attract foreign investment and travelers, as noted with prominent visits from business leaders such as Elon Musk and Tim Cook. A notable rise in interest from European visitors to China is evidenced by a 663 percent increase in travel bookings from Europe to China compared to 2022, as reported by the online travel agency, Trip.com. Prominent cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen continue to be favored by European tourists, with emerging destinations including Sanya and Chengdu gaining popularity. To support this influx, China is investing in tourism infrastructure and collaborating with travel agencies to promote its rich cultural heritage.

In recent years, China has sought to revitalize its tourism sector following significant declines owed to strict COVID-19 policies. The introduction of a visa-free travel initiative for select nations represents a strategic effort to attract visitors and stimulate economic activity. The gradual lifting of travel restrictions has coincided with a return of international interest in China’s diverse cultural offerings, ultimately aiming to enhance foreign investment and cultural exchanges. With countries now able to send tourists visa-free, the initiative reflects an adaptive approach to recovery in the post-pandemic landscape.

In summary, the recent expansion of visa-free travel to China for thirteen European nations marks a significant step towards promoting tourism and facilitating international exchanges. The initiative aims to rebuild international travel numbers and attract foreign investments amid a recovering tourism sector. As interest in travel to China grows, particularly among European tourists, the country is also enhancing its tourism offerings and infrastructure to support these efforts.

Original Source: www.euronews.com

Related posts:

China’s Military Diplomacy: Strengthening Ties with Tanzania and Mozambique Chinese Electric Vehicle Sales Continue to Thrive Despite International Tariffs Turkey Seeks Membership in BRICS Economic Bloc, Kremlin Confirms Putin Identifies India, China, and Brazil as Possible Mediators in Ukraine Conflict