It aims to bring back tourism and business travel into the country since its economy is not doing well. From November 30, Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia, and Japanese citizens will be able to enter within the borders of China visa free travel for a given duration of up to 30 days. This is according to information provided by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. While prior to COVID-19, only three countries had such access, the total number of countries availing of visa-free access to China is boosted to 38.
Japan’s Admission Signifies Eased Tensions The admission of Japan signifies a thaw between the two nations, which have been at odds over Taiwan, in particular. This comes on the heels of an accord that was reached in September regarding Japan’s release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Japan was initially granted visa-free access prior to the pandemic, and its government actually campaigned for its reinstatement. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed hopes that such would ease exchanges even more.
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New Qualification and Extended Stay Time Lin Jian mentioned that the 15-day limit for visa-free stays would now be expanded to 30 days. On top of that, students who participate in academic-cultural exchanges may also be granted an exemption for the first time. The People will visit each other as the Chinese government strengthens its diplomatic relationship with countries.
Post-Pandemic Reopening After severe restrictions on incoming travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, China has been one of the countries to remove such restrictions relatively later than many other countries. July 2023 was the start of the restoration of visa-free entry for citizens of Brunei and Singapore, and December 2023 will expand this privilege to six other states e.g. France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.
This latest expansion is part of the gradual process of reopening. Other countries that have introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens to attract tourists from China include Thailand.
According to Xinhua News Agency, China recorded 8.2 million foreign entries between July and September 2024, with 4.9 million utilizing visa-free access. The expanded visa exemptions are in line with China’s efforts toward rejuvenating its global connections and further economic recovery.