At a time when the world is slowly resuming its travel habits, China announces a significant evolution in immigration policies. As of November 30, 2024, tourists will be able to enjoy an extended visa-free stay of 30 days, doubling the previous allowance of 15 days. Moreover, this initiative is accompanied by the integration of nine new countries into its list of eligible states, further strengthening its return to the global tourism stage.
From November 30, 2024, China will enhance its tourist reception policy by extending the visa-free stay to 30 days for nationals of 38 countries, including France. At the same time, nine new nations will be added to this measure, reflecting a strategic intent to revive the tourism sector. This initiative, developed in the context of post-pandemic recovery, is an invitation to discover the wonders of the Middle Kingdom.
A strengthened strategy for tourism
Beijing’s decision to double the visa-free stay duration reflects a clear desire to revitalize the country’s tourism industry, which has suffered from restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Indeed, since December 2023, China has been testing visa exemptions for certain European countries, and the results are already promising. Transitioning from 15 to 30 days of visa-free access represents a significant change for travelers, making the country even more attractive.
An expanded list of countries benefiting from the visa exemption
With the new regulation, China will no longer only welcome nationals from the already eligible countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy. Nine new countries are added to the list, including Bulgaria, Romania, and Montenegro. This broadens horizons for cultural and economic exchanges, allowing even more tourists to discover the historical and natural richness of China.
The impact on international tourism
The measures adopted by China are already bearing fruit. For the third quarter of 2024, there was an influx of nearly 8.19 million foreign visitors, marking a remarkable increase of 48.8% compared to the previous year. Among these visitors, approximately 4.9 million benefited from the visa exemption, thus illustrating the positive impact of this strategy on tourism. These figures also reflect a simplification of administrative procedures, making travel to China more accessible.
Facilitating access and diversifying travel purposes
In addition to increasing the duration of stay, China will also diversify the allowed travel purposes without a visa. Besides tourism and business visits, professional exchanges will now be included. This paves the way for interesting economic opportunities, fostering closer ties between cultures and businesses.
An affirmed desire for openness
This extension of access conditions is part of China’s long-term vision, aiming to strengthen its bilateral relations with other nations. The return of Japan among the countries benefiting from the visa exemption is significant, marking an important diplomatic advance after a period of tensions. Through this decision, China demonstrates its willingness to lay the foundations for renewed economic cooperation and enriching cultural exchange.
