China launches visa-free entry: See eligible countries
China has announced that it will offer visa-free entry to a select number of nationalities from next month. See them here.
In a major shift in policy on entry requirements for foreigners, China has announced that it will offer visa-free entry for six nationalities.
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CHINA OPENS UP
The country has historically been closed to most travellers, requiring most nationalities to obtain entry visas to pass through its borders.
It has now decided to open its borders to nationals of a handful of countries in a groundbreaking move. According to its foreign ministry, China will trial visa-free entry for 6 countries
This is set to help “promote China’s high-quality development and opening up”, spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday, per BBC.
ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES
China will trial visa-free entry for passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.
According to China’s foreign ministry, the arrangement will be for a year.
Currently, most nationalities need a visa to enter China. Only a few nationalities are able to enter the country without needing entry visas. Examples of those exempt include citizens of Singapore and Brunei.
These travellers may enter China for business, tourism, family visits and transit for no more than 15 days.
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VISA-FREE CONDITIONS
From 1 December this year to 30 November 2024, ordinary passport holders from the six selected countries may also enter China without the need for an entry visa.
These travellers may stay in the country for up to 15 days only. Entry will be permitted for business or tourism purposes.
GRADUAL OPENING-UP
China’s easing of entry requirements is in line with developments in a number of other countries. In post-Covid times many countries have eased entry for travellers.
This is in an attempt to entice tourists back after the tourism slump created by measures imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19 during the pandemic.