China has expanded its visa-free policy, allowing citizens from eight additional European countries to enter for up to 30 days without a visa starting November 30, 2024.
The newly included countries are Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, and Latvia, joining other nations already benefiting from China’s open-door approach.
Officials and tourism professionals from these countries have welcomed the move as a significant step toward stronger bilateral ties. Malta's Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg praised the policy on Friday, stating, \"This visa-free agreement reflects the strong mutual trust and commitment to fostering closer ties in tourism, business, and cultural exchange. It simplifies travel for our citizens but also paves the way for deeper cooperation and new international trade opportunities.\"
Croatian tour guide Branka Peric highlighted the benefits for the tourism sector, describing the policy as \"certainly good news\" for both travelers and those working in tourism. Peric, who is establishing her own travel agency, noted that the policy underscores China’s openness and will enhance friendly relations between China and Croatia.
Chinese inbound tour guide Xie Dong, serving Latvia and Estonia, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the visa-free policy is set to boost tourism between the Baltic countries and China. He also called for the establishment of direct flights to further facilitate travel.
Nina Merlusca, destination manager of the Romanian tourism city Piatra-Neamt, indicated that the policy for Romanian passport holders will \"increase cooperation between the two countries.\" Drawing from her personal travel experiences in China, Merlusca affirmed that China is a friendly destination for tourists.
From November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from a total of 38 countries within China's visa-free arrangement will be able to enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days.
Reference(s):
European countries welcome China's expanded visa-free policy
cgtn.com
