Patricia CaleonChina is making a significant impact in tourism promotion by expanding its visa-free entry policy to more European countries. This aims to boost international travel, enhance economic ties, and foster cultural exchange.
Also read: China Extends Visa-Free Trial for Malaysia and European Tourists
European countries that made it to the visa-free entry list
Norway, a Scandinavian country renowned for its breathtaking fjords and vibrant culture, has recently become the first Nordic country to be included in this visa-free list. This marks a significant milestone in China’s efforts to attract more European visitors.
This visa-free policy, which was first introduced earlier this year, initially granted entry privileges to 11 European nations and Malaysia. In June, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand joined the list, enjoying unrestricted travel to China until the end of 2025. Norwegian citizens can also expect visa-free travel for up to 15 days, although the exact implementation date has yet to be announced.
China and their efforts to boost the tourism sector
Image credit: scrisman via Canva Pro
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, the program is designed to “facilitate the high-quality development of Chinese and foreign personnel exchanges and high-level opening up to the outside world.”
European countries that are currently in the list of visa-free policy include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. Meanwhile, Poland has recently been added to the list in July.
China’s tourism industry is still recovering from a significant drop during the pandemic. While strict travel restrictions have been lifted, international travel remains below pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, China recorded only 35.5 million entries and exits by visitors, significantly lower than 97.7 million in 2019.
To attract more foreign visitors, China is investing in tourism infrastructure, technology, and cultural promotion. Popular destinations for European travellers include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, as well as emerging hotspots like Sanya and Chengdu.
Also read: 28 Countries With Digital Nomad Visas for Long-Term Workcations
The expansion of visa-free entry for European countries is a positive step towards China’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. By making it easier for travellers to visit, China hopes to foster stronger economic and cultural ties with Europe.
