In recent months, China has been simplifying its migration laws, especially for European travelers. Find out which countries' citizens will soon be able to visit China without a visa

China has weakened its migration policy even more, in particular, the country's leadership recently introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of five more European states. Thus, the total number of European countries whose citizens have the right to visa-free travel to China has increased to 18. Find out what kind of country it is and what are the reasons for this decision.

Rules for visa-free travel to China for European citizens

China is working on legislative changes aimed at stimulating tourism and establishing business ties. The introduction of the visa-free regime reflects China's desire to strengthen global cooperation and facilitate short-term travel.

From October 15, 2024, travelers from 18 European countries will be able to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. The main condition is that the purpose of the visit must be business, tourism, family visit or transit. The simplified rules will be in effect until December 31, 2025.

Citizens of which countries have the right to visa-free travel to China?

At the beginning of 2024, citizens of Norway received the right to travel without a visa, in July representatives of Poland, Australia and New Zealand joined the list. The other day, simplified conditions were extended to representatives of Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal and Slovenia.

Currently, the list of European countries whose citizens are entitled to visa-free travel includes:

- Austria

- Belgium

- Cyprus

- Denmark

- France

- Germany

- Greece

- Hungary

- Ireland

- Italy

- Luxembourg

- The Netherlands

- Norway

- Poland

- Portugal

- Slovenia

- Spain

- Switzerland

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China is gradually opening its doors to travelers after the start of the pandemic

China's strict pandemic measures, which included a mandatory quarantine for all arrivals, have deterred many people from traveling here for nearly three years. Restrictions were lifted early last year, but international travel has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

In 2024, the number of foreign visitors to China increased significantly, with 95 million tourists arriving in the country in the first nine months alone, a 55.4% increase over the previous year. This figure is 93.4% of the number of tourists observed before the pandemic in 2019.

In total, the number of bookings from Europe to China increased by 663% compared to 2022 and almost 29% more than in 2019.

According to the data, Great Britain and Germany are among the 10 countries from which tourists most often go to China.

Where do European tourists go in China?

The most popular destination among Europeans remains Shanghai with its attractive combination of modernity and tradition. It is followed by Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

A new destination in China can be called a beach city on the southern part of the Chinese island of Hainan, known as Sanya, as well as the capital of Sichuan province in the southwest of China.

China's expanded visa-free policy is aimed at strengthening international relations and attracting more visitors from Europe and other countries. With easier entry for short stays, China continues to position itself as a key destination for tourism and global business exchanges.

We will remind you! Japan plans to change visa-free travel rules for travelers from 71 countries by introducing a new travel authorization system. We have already told when they plan to approve the new system, how the entry rules will change and what requirements are relevant in 2024.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe trip abroad, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling around the world.

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