China is continuing to broaden its visa-free travel program, adding eight more European nations to its growing list of eligible countries. From November 30, 2024, travelers from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, and Latvia will be able to visit China without a visa. This policy will be effective until the end of 2025, permitting stays of up to 30 days without the need to apply for entry clearance.
The initiative reflects China’s ongoing effort to strengthen ties with European countries and attract international visitors. Recent additions to the visa-free program include Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, Greece, and Portugal, bringing the total number of European nations with visa-free access to China to 38. The expansion is part of a larger strategy to boost tourism and economic exchanges, particularly as international travel continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
China has prioritized simplifying travel for European citizens in recent months, with visa-free access being extended to over a dozen countries since October. Nationals of Japan have also been included in this latest wave, highlighting China’s focus on fostering closer regional and international relations.
This development comes at a crucial time for China’s tourism sector. While the country lifted most travel restrictions last year, inbound international tourism has been slow to return to pre-pandemic levels. By easing entry requirements, China hopes to encourage more visitors and stimulate its hospitality and tourism industries.
In addition to leisure travel, the visa-free policy is expected to bolster business exchanges, cultural engagement, and trade between China and its European partners, reinforcing China’s position as a key global destination.
