Beijing opens borders: 15 days visa-free for 6 EU states

China continues to simplify visa formalities for tourists from European countries. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced at a press conference held on March 7, 2024 during the second session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing that China will grant 15-day visa-free travel to citizens of six new European countries: Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg, starting from March 14, 2024.

The visa-free regime for the said six countries will be valid until November 30, 2024, similar to the regime introduced on December 1, 2023 for citizens of France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Malaysia. However, for longer stays in China (more than 15 days) or traveling for other purposes, citizens of these countries still need to apply for a Chinese visa.

China's new initiative is aimed at further strengthening economic and cultural ties with European countries. The visa-free regime will allow citizens of these countries to stay in China for up to 15 days without the need for a visa, which will greatly simplify the process of planning trips and will contribute to the increase in tourist traffic.

Minister Wang Yi emphasized that this measure is introduced on an experimental basis, which implies the possibility of further expansion of the list of countries for which the visa-free regime will operate, in case of successful implementation of the initiative.

The simplification of visa formalities is part of China's strategy to open up and develop international cooperation. Since resuming the issuance of tourist visas a year ago, China has consistently worked to create more favorable conditions for overseas visitors in a bid to strengthen its position as an attractive tourist destination and a reliable trading partner.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said he hopes other countries will also provide similar visa incentives for Chinese citizens and cooperate to establish fast-track channels for cross-border travel and resume international passenger flights. This, he said, will make it easier for Chinese people to travel abroad and make foreign visitors' stay in China more comfortable.

Wang Yi also emphasized that China plans to expand the list of visa-free countries and sign agreements on multi-year and multiple-entry visas with more countries.

China's desire for visa facilitation was noted as early as last January, when Premier Li Keqiang announced the upcoming introduction of visa-free travel for citizens of Switzerland and Ireland during his visit to Europe. In late January, China also signed reciprocal visa-free agreements with Singapore and Thailand, demonstrating a consistent policy of openness and development of international cooperation in tourism and business.