China Adds 9 More Countries to Visa-Free Entry Program

China announced on Friday its decision to expand visa-free entry to nine additional countries in an effort to boost tourism and business travel to revitalize its sluggish economy.

Starting November 30, travelers from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan will be eligible for visa-free entry into China for up to 30 days, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. This move increases the total number of countries with visa-free access to China to 38, up from just three before the COVID-19 pandemic when such privileges were suspended.

Japan’s Inclusion Signals Eased Tensions

Japan’s inclusion appears to mark a thaw in relations between the two countries, which have faced tensions, particularly over Taiwan. The announcement follows a September agreement addressing their dispute over Japan’s release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Japan had visa-free access before the pandemic, and its government had been pushing for its early reinstatement. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed hope that the move would facilitate smoother exchanges between the two nations.

Expanded Length of Stay and New Eligibility

Lin Jian noted that the visa-free stay limit has been extended from 15 to 30 days. Additionally, participants in student, academic, and cultural exchange programs will now qualify for visa-free entry for the first time. China has been emphasizing people-to-people exchanges to improve its diplomatic ties with other nations.

Post-Pandemic Reopening

China had imposed strict entry restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and lifted them later than most countries. Visa-free access for citizens of Brunei and Singapore was restored in July 2023, and further expanded to six countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, in December 2023.

This latest expansion continues the gradual reopening process. Other nations, such as Thailand, have introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens to attract Chinese tourists.

Between July and September 2024, China recorded 8.2 million foreign entries, with 4.9 million utilizing visa-free access, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. The increase in visa exemptions aligns with China’s efforts to rejuvenate its global connections and foster economic recovery.