In a significant move to enhance international travel, China has implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 29 countries, including major economies like France and Germany. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' efforts to promote foreign trade and strengthen global connectivity.
Tong Xuejun, an official from the ministry's consular department, announced during a recent press conference that China has achieved full visa exemption with 25 countries. The unilateral visa-free entry trial for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia commenced on December 1, 2023.
Under this new policy, eligible travelers can enter China without the need to apply for a visa in advance, allowing stays of up to 15 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, or transit. This policy has been expanded in different batches to include more nations.
To further simplify the visa application process, the ministry has reduced the number of items on the visa application form by 34 percent, significantly decreasing the time required to complete the paperwork. Additionally, China has eliminated the need for appointments prior to visa applications at all its embassies, expanded the exemption of fingerprint collection, and reduced visa fees by 25 percent.
The impact of these measures is already evident. In the third quarter of 2024, China recorded 8.19 million inbound trips by foreigners, marking a 48.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, 4.89 million of these trips were made through visa-free arrangements, reflecting a 78.6 percent year-on-year growth.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its commitment to continuously refine the visa-free entry policy to facilitate cross-border travel, particularly for individuals engaged in business activities. These changes are expected to further boost China's position as a key global hub for international travelers and entrepreneurs.
Reference(s):
MOFA: China implements unilateral visa-free policy for 29 countries
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