Cuba has announced a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports, starting this month, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia during the 42nd Cuban International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2024), held in the seaside resort of Cayo Coco in the province of Ciego de Avila. Garcia stated that “both sides agreed on the need to create conditions and atmosphere for strengthening relations in all areas, including tourism.”
In addition to the visa exemption, Garcia revealed that China will be the guest of honor at the Cuban Tourism Festival 2025, and that direct flights between China and Cuba will resume on May 17. Air China confirmed this during a press conference in Beijing regarding new and resumed international flight routes for 2024.
The resumption of direct flights and the visa-free policy are expected to boost tourism between the two countries. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists to Cuba grew at an average annual rate of about 23% from 2010 to 2019, according to Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism.
Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel affirmed the importance of tourism in the country’s 2030 development plan, stating that tourism is promoted as one of the main economic activities. The Cuban government values the tourism industry as a driving force of the economy due to its contribution to the development of the Cuban business system.
As of April 26, Cuba has received more than 1 million international tourists this year, with expectations to receive 3.5 million in 2024. The return of Chinese tourists is anticipated to contribute significantly to these numbers.
China is Cuba’s largest trading partner in goods, with trade standing at roughly $862 million in 2023. The two countries have been strengthening ties in various sectors, including tourism, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. In December 2020, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance tourism cooperation and are seeking to strengthen exchanges in sustainable tourism and World Heritage preservation.
With the visa exemption and the resumption of direct flights, Cuba is poised to welcome more visitors from China, offering them a rich experience of its vibrant culture, historical sites, and stunning landscapes. Top destinations in Cuba include Havana, known for its art and architecture; the dramatic landscapes of Valle de Viñales; the beach resort of Varadero; and Santiago de Cuba, rich in revolutionary history.
The development is seen as a positive move for business professionals, investors, academics, and travelers, fostering greater connectivity and understanding between Asia and the Latin American region.
Reference(s):
Cuba announces unilateral visa exemption for Chinese citizens
cgtn.com
