China continues to open its borders: visa-free entry for Switzerland and Ireland

In 2024, China continues to expand the list of countries that are granted visa-free entry. This time, Switzerland and Ireland have joined the lucky list.

The move was part of China's strategy to expand tourism opportunities and attract foreign visitors. The country is gradually lifting travel restrictions related to the pandemic and is seeking to return to normalcy by actively re-establishing ties with the global community.

In December 2023, China announced visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. This rule is valid from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024 and allows tourists from these countries to visit China without a visa for 15 days. The visa-free regime applies not only to tourist travel, but also to business meetings, transit flights, and trips to visit friends and relatives in China.

Earlier this year, China also introduced a visa-free regime for short-term travel for citizens of Switzerland and Ireland. The decision has opened up new opportunities for tourism, business meetings, transit travel and visiting friends and relatives in China. According to the statement, China will impose a unilateral visa-free policy on Switzerland and Ireland, and these countries in turn pledge to simplify the visa regime for Chinese citizens.

The introduction of visa-free travel for Swiss citizens was announced by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 15. This important decision was announced after the Prime Minister met with the Swiss President. And the announcement of visa-free travel for Irish citizens followed two days later when Li Keqiang traveled to Dublin to meet with the Irish Prime Minister.

But China is not limited to visa-free entry. Together with France, it was announced that 2024 will be the year of culture and tourism exchange between the two countries. As part of this initiative, exhibitions and performances will be held to promote the tourism potential and cultural heritage of both nations.

Also, China continues to develop international ties and agreements. Reciprocal 30-day visa-free travel between China and Singapore is being reinstated, and a similar agreement with Thailand begins on March 1. Belgium may also soon join the list of European countries that can visit China without a visa, further expanding opportunities for tourism and business cooperation.

China's initiatives on visa-free entry, cultural exchange and international ties are important measures to strengthen the country's leading role on the world stage. They promote the development of the tourism sector, the economy, improve political relations and create a favorable business environment for entrepreneurs.