Boost tourism
China is abolishing visa requirements for several countries
November 24, 2023, 4:49 p.m
Beijing wants to boost its tourism, which is still weak even after the Corona pandemic – and probably also improve its image. From December onwards, citizens of some European countries will no longer be required to have a visa. In the future, the passport will be sufficient for trips of up to 15 days.
China wants to allow tourists and business people from Germany and other countries into the country without a visa in the future. From December 1st, the current visa requirement will no longer apply for one year, said a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Beijing. In the future, it will be sufficient to have a passport that is valid for at least six months upon arrival in order to travel to the People’s Republic. However, this does not apply indefinitely, but only for a maximum stay of 15 days. The new regulation should also apply to citizens from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.
The world’s second-largest economy hopes to boost tourism, which has still not fully recovered from the consequences of the corona pandemic. China had largely isolated itself for around three years. “This decision will make it easier for many German citizens to travel to China to an unprecedented extent,” wrote the German ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, at X. “We hope that the Chinese government will extend the measures announced today to all EU member states will implement.” Visa-free travel to Germany is only possible for Chinese citizens if all members of the European Schengen Agreement agree.
Economy hopes for stimulus
The German economy expects the new regulation to give a boost to relations with what is by far its most important trading partner. “The recently announced lifting of the visa requirement for short trips is an important signal that can boost both tourism and economic exchange,” said the head of foreign trade at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), Volker Treier. “The regulation makes it easier, above all, to maintain German machines, to ensure quality ‘Made in Germany’, to facilitate business exchange and to maintain interpersonal contacts.” The companies are now hoping that the Chinese visa requirement for German citizens will be completely lifted after the initial test phase.
The temporary exemption from the visa requirement should apply to both business and tourist trips or visits to friends and relatives, as well as to travelers in transit. China has taken other steps in recent months to revive its tourism industry – such as resuming international flight routes. The government in Beijing is also striving to improve its image in the world.
This month, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries, including citizens of Norway. In August, all corona tests for people entering the country were abolished.