China Expands Visa-Free Travel to Six More European Countries
In a significant move to bolster international tourism and economic ties, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on March 7 that citizens of Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg will be granted visa-free entry to China. Effective from March 14, this policy will allow visitors from these countries to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 15 days.
This expansion follows last year’s successful implementation of visa exemptions for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. The visa-free policy is expected to remain in place until November 30, 2024, providing ample opportunity for international travelers and businesses to engage with the Chinese market.
The initiative is anticipated to significantly boost China’s inbound tourism sector, with positive ripple effects across accommodation, dining, shopping, entertainment, and related industries. The ease of travel is also expected to enhance cultural exchanges and strengthen bilateral relations between China and the participating European nations.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism about the policy’s impact, stating, “We hope that more countries will reciprocate by facilitating travel for Chinese citizens, contributing to the establishment of an efficient system of international tourism.”
The announcement has already sparked heightened interest among travelers. According to Trip.com, one of China’s leading travel booking platforms, there has been a surge in flight searches to and from the newly included countries since the policy was unveiled.
This development aligns with China’s broader efforts to reopen its borders and rejuvenate its economy in the post-pandemic era. As global travel gradually returns to normalcy, such policies underscore the importance of international cooperation in revitalizing the tourism industry worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
