China Revamps Visa-Free Program Adding More Nations On The List

China has expanded its visa-free entry program to include citizens from nine additional countries, bringing the total to 38 eligible nations.

Starting November 30, 2024, visitors can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, double the previous limit of 15 days. This policy, effective until the end of 2025, aims to revive China’s inbound tourism sector post-pandemic.

The program now includes Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, and Latvia. Japan, which previously enjoyed visa-free access until 2020, had actively sought reinstatement of this privilege.

Initially launched in December 2023, the program began with six European countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Over the past year, it has steadily expanded.

The policy now covers the F Visa category, facilitating non-commercial visits for research, academic exchanges, and cultural events. Officials highlight that the initiative supports business, tourism, family visits, and transit, fostering international collaboration.

Positive Economic Impact

Earlier visa relaxations have driven significant growth. For example, visa-free access for South Korea led to a 91% increase in group tour bookings and a 134% surge in flight ticket sales. In the first three quarters of 2024, China welcomed 94.6 million inbound tourists, a 79% year-on-year increase.

These developments underline China’s strategic push to reclaim its position as a global tourism hub.

China is also improving travel procedures. The visa application form has been streamlined, cutting 34% of required items, while international airports now feature comprehensive service counters for cultural tourism, transportation, and payment support.

The People’s Bank of China has expanded foreign card acceptance and mobile payment options. In October, offline transactions surged by 184%, and 2.9 million inbound tourists used mobile payments, triple February’s volume.

To attract travellers, Alipay launched a China Travel Voucher Pack offering discounts on flights, hotels, and shopping, alongside its International Consumer Friendly Zones program in 70 cities and 500 attractions.

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