Starting this month, Chinese travelers holding ordinary passports can enter Cuba without a visa.
In addition, direct flights between China and Cuba are also set to resume on May 17, facilitating smoother travel arrangements for tourists from both countries, VisaGuide.World reports.
Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia announced the news last week during the 42nd International Cuban Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2024). Minister Garcia further disclosed that China would be the honoured guest at the upcoming 2025 Cuban Tourism Festival.
In April of this year, Air China, through a recent press conference, announced the reinstatement of international routes for 2024, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing connectivity between China and Cuba.
Resumption of Direct Flights Between Cuba & China to Increase Flow of Chinese Visitors
During a visit to China in November last year, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero expressed optimism to see an increase in Chinese tourists after the resumption of flights.
Data provided by Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism shows that, as of April 26, over one million Chinese tourists have been registered in Cuba. Meanwhile, the Cuban government is expected to welcome 3.5 million international tourists in 2024.
With the number of international flight bookings on May 1 rising 20 percent above pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to state broadcasters, destinations offering visa-free deals with China are in high demand. Europe and the Middle East are among the preferred destinations, with other countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Georgia, and Kazakhstan experiencing increased ticket bookings.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourism to Cuba experienced significant growth, with an average annual rate of about 23 percent from 2010 to 2019.
China Is Ranked as One of Cuba’s Main Trading Partners in Goods
In addition to tourism, China also holds a key position as Cuba’s largest trading partner in goods, with trade volume reaching approximately $862 million in 2023. The strengthening of ties between the two nations was underscored by the signed mutual visa exemptions in January 2021 for holders of diplomatic services and official passports, together with passports for public affairs.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2020 aimed to strengthen tourism cooperation, focusing on sustainable tourism practices and World Heritage conservation.
China’s efforts to reach reciprocal visa-free agreements with various nations in the past six months underscore its commitment to promoting global tourism and cultural exchanges.
Following this new program, Chinese authorities pointed out the country saw a significant increase in foreign visitors during the first two months of 2024. At the same time, foreign travelers made 2.95 million trips to and from China.