According to its foreign ministry, China is testing a one-year visa-free travel program for nationals of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.
Ordinary passport holders from these countries will be able to travel to China for up to 15 days without a visa for business purposes between December and November 30, 2024.
According to spokeswoman Mao Ning, this will “promote China’s high-quality development and opening up” on Friday.
Most visitors today require a visa in order to enter China.
Citizens of Singapore and Brunei who are traveling to China for up to 15 days on business, vacation, family visits, or transit are among the infrequent examples of those who are exempt.
China only started issuing all kinds of visas again in March.
Following the coronavirus pandemic, it enforced stringent travel restrictions in March 2020. China imposed some of the toughest COVID restrictions in the world for three years, including frequent testing requirements, travel restrictions, and lockdowns.
It took until last December to lift its zero-covid policy, which had a severe negative impact on the economy.
Before the pandemic, China welcomed tens of millions of foreign tourists annually.
Increasing China’s Openness and High-Quality Development
China aims to achieve high-quality development and expand its global influence, and its decision to test visa-free travel is in line with this objective. A spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, Mao Ning, claims that this initiative is a calculated step toward advancing China’s global openness. China aspires to improve its standing as a popular travel destination for both leisure and business travelers by creating a more welcoming atmosphere for foreign visitors.
The Importance of China’s Trial Travel Permission Free of Visa
China was the destination of tens of millions of foreign tourists annually before the COVID-19 outbreak. However the tight travel restrictions put in place during the pandemic had a big effect on the travel and tourism sectors, as well as the Chinese economy overall. China is now trying to boost its tourism industry by granting visa-free travel to these six nations in light of the pandemic’s slow recovery and the easing of travel restrictions.
A Change in the Direction of More International Collaboration
China has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing international cooperation by deciding to trial visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. China seeks to promote stronger relations with these nations in order to facilitate more trade, cross-cultural interactions, and commercial cooperation. In addition to helping China, this action creates new prospects for citizens and companies in the six participating countries.
The Effect on Travel
China’s tourism sector is anticipated to benefit from the trial program for visa-free travel. Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia will likely have easier access, which will likely result in a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting China. Numerous industries, including hospitality, transportation, and retail, will profit from this spike in tourism, giving the local economy a much-needed lift.
A Win-Win Context
The trial program for visa-free travel benefits all participating countries as well as China. China will gain from higher tourism-related income, the creation of jobs, and an improvement in its reputation as a travel destination worldwide.
Source: Cosmo Politian
