Beijing: China has expanded its visa-free travel policy to include four more European countries, bringing the total number to 17.
The latest additions to China’s visa-free travel list include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, and Norway. These countries now join a growing list of European nations, including France, Germany, and Switzerland, that can send tourists to China for short stays without the need for a visa.
The policy allows tourists to stay for up to 15 days, with the visa waiver remaining valid until the end of 2025.
This initiative reflects China's desire to reintegrate itself into global tourism markets, following a lengthy period of isolation due to the pandemic.
Revival of tourism and business
China's tourism and business industries have been slow to recover since pandemic restrictions were lifted last year. In 2023, only 35.5 million foreigners visited China, compared to nearly 98 million in 2019. This gap highlights the ongoing challenge of returning to pre-pandemic travel levels.
Efforts to entice foreign travellers have included welcoming high-profile business figures like Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook.
These visits underline China's eagerness to attract not just tourists but also foreign investors as the country looks to revitalise its economy.
Rising European interest in China
European travellers are showing renewed interest in visiting China. Last year, there was a 663% increase in bookings from European tourists compared to 2022, according to Trip.com. This surge reflects growing demand for both leisure and business travel to destinations like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.
Shanghai remains a favourite for European tourists, thanks to its mix of tradition and modernity. Other destinations, like Sanya and Chengdu, are also gaining popularity as China promotes more diverse travel experiences through collaborations with online platforms like Trip.com.
China’s strategic approach to tourism
China is not only expanding visa-free access but also investing heavily in tourism infrastructure. Initiatives include improvements to travel guides, e-payment systems, and tourism technology, all designed to enhance the visitor experience.
The aim is to make China more accessible and convenient for foreign tourists, particularly from Europe.
The visa-free scheme is just one of several moves China is making to attract international visitors and foreign capital, with a clear emphasis on the importance of foreign personnel exchanges and high-level global engagement.