The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted China’s tourism sector. The country’s strict coronavirus measures, which included border closures, largely shut its borders to the outside world for three years.
In a strategic move to revitalize its tourism sector and foster global relations, China on Friday announced a temporary visa exemption for citizens of Six countries.
The decision to exempt countries from visa requirements aligns with broader efforts, such as the restoration of international flight routes, to welcome global visitors back to the world’s second-largest economy.
China’s New Visa Exemption Program
China has announced a new visa exemption program for citizens of six countries:
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Malaysia
The visa exemption initiative, effective from December 1, 2023, to November 30 2024, aims to facilitate travel for various purposes, including business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting for up to 15 days.
Germany’s ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, welcomed the visa exemption announcement, stating on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “This decision will facilitate travel to China for many German citizens to an unprecedented extent.”
The German diplomatic missions in the People’s Republic of China welcome the statement released by the Chinese government offering German citizens a visa-free stay of up to 15 days in China beginning on December 1, 2023.
— Ambassador Patricia Flor (@GerAmbChina) November 24, 2023
Who is Eligible for the Visa Exemption?
Citizens of the six countries entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting for no more than 15 days are eligible for the visa exemption.
Benefits of the Visa Exemption
The visa exemption is expected to provide a significant boost to China’s tourism industry. The six countries are all major tourist source markets for China, and the visa exemption is likely to encourage more people from these countries to visit China.
Impact on China’s Image
In addition to boosting tourism, the visa exemption program could also help to improve China’s image around the world. The country has been taking steps to re-establish its image after clashing with many Western countries on various issues including COVID, human rights, Taiwan, and trade.
EU Member States Seek Inclusion
Germany’s ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, has expressed hope that the visa exemption program will be extended to all EU member states. However, visa-free travel to Germany for Chinese nationals would only be possible if all members of the European Schengen Agreement were approved.
Increase in International Flights
International flights in and out of China have been picking up in recent months. China’s aviation authority said in October that 16,680 weekly flights were expected in the subsequent five months, with passenger flights expected to reach 71% of the total four years ago.
China Extends 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
In addition to the Visa-Free Entry program, China has recently extended its 72/144-Hours Transit visa, now including Norway in its list of eligible countries. This extension means that citizens from 54 nations can now take advantage of the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, enjoying seamless travel across 23 prominent Chinese cities.
This expansive coverage spans 20 cities and 29 entry and exit ports, unlocking a myriad of travel opportunities within the country.
Overall Significance
The visa exemption program is a positive step towards improving relations between China and the West. It is a sign that China is willing to open up to the world and cooperate with other countries.
The outcomes of these diplomatic and tourism initiatives will likely have far-reaching effects on China’s global image and its engagement with the international community.
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