China Extends Visa-Free Entry for Europeans and Malaysians, Boosting Tourism

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 17, 2024 15:35 PMNews
Share:
Rainy street scene in China with people holding umbrellas in front of traditional shops decorated with red lanterns
Visa-free entry aims to rejuvenate tourism. Source: unsplash

The Chinese government has announced the extension of its visa-free policy for citizens from several European nations and Malaysia until December 31, 2025. Starting March 14, 2024, to November 30, 2024, nationals from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland will be eligible for visa-free entry to Mainland China for up to 15 days. Additionally, New Zealand has been added to the list of countries whose citizens can now enter China without a visa.

This move is part of China's broader strategy to rejuvenate its tourism sector, which has seen a significant decline in recent years. In 2023, China recorded 35.5 million foreign entries and exits, a stark contrast to the 97.7 million recorded in 2019. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that China's Travel & Tourism sector will contribute a record ¥12.62 trillion to the national economy by the end of 2024.

The visa exemption will facilitate travel for business, tourism, family visits, and transit purposes. This policy aims to attract more international visitors and enhance economic ties. The inclusion of New Zealand follows a high-level visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during which plans for visa-free entry for New Zealanders were announced.

China has also relaxed visa requirements for tourists arriving by cruise ships. As of May 15, 2024, these tourists can stay visa-free for up to 15 days. These measures are designed to boost international travel and strengthen bilateral relations.

The expansion of visa-free access is expected to increase tourist numbers and contribute to economic recovery post-COVID-19. Premier Li Qiang's visit to New Zealand also highlighted other areas of cooperation, including trade, climate change, and human rights.

These changes are part of a larger effort by the Chinese government to foster international engagement and stimulate the travel and tourism sector, which is poised for significant growth. With these new policies, China is positioning itself as a more accessible and attractive destination for travelers worldwide.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Person speaking into a megaphone during a public demonstration

Strike at Helsinki Airport to Disrupt Finnair Flights, Thousands to Face Travel Changes

Jun 30, 2025 20:38 PM
Modern hotel room with bed, sofa, and large windows

Berlin Becomes the Newest Dot on Dalata’s European Journey

Jun 30, 2025 18:23 PM

Transavia Replaces Boeing with New Jet on Mallorca Route

Jun 29, 2025 22:49 PM

European Food Halls Become Essential Travel Destinations

Jun 29, 2025 20:36 PM
Close-up of a Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on the tarmac at sunset

Direct Flights Between Copenhagen and Nuuk Resume After Two Decades, Opening New Arctic Travel Opportunities

Jun 28, 2025 21:22 PM
Electric Lumo train moving on railway tracks in the UK

New Slow Travel Trend Offers Different Way to Discover the UK

Jun 28, 2025 19:48 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft preparing to land

LOT Adds Direct Flights Connecting Gdańsk to Istanbul’s Historic Core

Jun 28, 2025 17:35 PM
Multiple trains approach a busy London rail junction under a canopy of signals

Travel Disruption Expected on London Rail Lines 3 July

Jun 28, 2025 15:21 PM
Air Corsica aircraft wing above the clouds during flight

New Direct Flights Between Nice and Florence Open Up Easier Travel Across the Mediterranean

Jun 28, 2025 13:47 PM

Steady Travel Through Wales: T4 Changes Operator in September

Jun 28, 2025 00:34 AM

Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls Set for Centrally Located Hotel Openings

Jun 27, 2025 21:28 PM
Air Canada aircraft in flight approaching landing

New Direct Montréal–Edinburgh Flight Opens Summer City-to-City Travel

Jun 27, 2025 19:45 PM
Workers in safety gear repairing railway tracks with heavy equipment

Temporary Closure of Picerno Station Alters Train Routes in Southern Italy

Jun 27, 2025 17:32 PM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

Ryanair Unveils New Direct Winter Routes from Gothenburg, Boosting Travel Choices to Southern Europe

Jun 27, 2025 15:29 PM
Cozy hotel room with warm lighting and decorative wall art

New Hotels in Jeddah to Boost Travel Convenience Near King Abdullah Sports City

Jun 27, 2025 13:46 PM

Adelaide Gains Direct Flights to Bali, Unlocking Wider Asian Travel Options

Jun 27, 2025 05:33 AM

Travel to South Wales in July disrupted by rail changes

Jun 26, 2025 22:24 PM
Jet2holidays aircraft taxiing on runway

New Direct Flights to La Palma Expand UK–Canaries Access

Jun 26, 2025 20:41 PM
Train platforms and GWR trains at London Paddington station

Mobile Signal Returns to Key Train Routes

Jun 26, 2025 18:37 PM
Empty departure board at Helsinki Airport terminal during operational disruption

Finnair Warns of Major Travel Disruptions During July Airport Strikes

Jun 26, 2025 13:25 PM
Flydubai aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

flydubai Reopens Key Damascus Route, Expanding Travel Options in the Middle East

Jun 26, 2025 02:42 AM
Hotel room with a large bed, two lamps, and window curtains

New Hotel Opens in Tromsø Near Harbour as Travel Grows

Jun 26, 2025 00:38 AM

SAS Reopens Copenhagen–Mumbai Route After 17-Year Gap

Jun 25, 2025 22:21 PM

Canopy by Hilton Opens in Revitalized Longkloof District of Cape Town

Jun 25, 2025 20:47 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 flying against a cloudy sky

Etihad Begins Airbus A380 Flights to Toronto Increasing Capacity for Travelers

Jun 25, 2025 18:36 PM
Minimalist hotel room with natural light and modern decor

Hotel Opposite Haymarket: A New Stopover Spot in Festival Edinburgh

Jun 25, 2025 16:52 PM