China has introduced a temporary visa waiver for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, aiming to stimulate tourism in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, individuals from these nations can enter China for up to 15 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives, or transiting without the need for a visa.
This decision aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its tourism sector following stringent COVID-19 measures and to improve its global image amid tensions with Western countries.
China has been gradually reopening international flight routes and easing travel restrictions. A recent survey highlighted negative perceptions of China in many countries, primarily centered around concerns of interference in other nations’ affairs.
The move to exempt visas for citizens of these European countries and Malaysia has been positively received, with the German ambassador expressing hope for similar measures across all EU member states.
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce sees this as a favorable development for tourism and economic exchanges, emphasizing its benefits for maintaining German machinery, ensuring quality, and fostering interpersonal contacts.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna praised the announcement during her visit to Beijing. China had previously expanded its visa-free transit policy to include 54 countries, including Norway.
In August, China removed COVID testing requirements for inbound travelers and reinstated 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei in July.
Although the recovery of international flights lags behind domestic services, China’s aviation authority anticipates a significant increase in weekly flights from November through March, reaching 71% of pre-pandemic levels.
The European Chamber of Commerce in China views this visa exemption as a positive measure to boost business confidence, underscoring the importance of facilitating people-to-people exchanges.
In summary, this move is considered part of China’s broader strategy to revive its tourism industry and enhance diplomatic relations in the post-pandemic era.
