Starting November 8, China’s visa-free entry agreements with at least ten countries will officially become effective.
This means that from the same date, nationals from South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Slovakia, Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein will be able to enter visa-free to China, VisaGuide.World reports.
The reasons for visa-free entry for nationals of these countries include tourism, business, family visits or transit without a visa for up to 15 days,
The Foreign Ministry of China has said the decision will be valid until December 31, 2025.
China Has Expanded Visa-Free Travel for Several Countries So Far
Since the beginning of this year, China has opened its doors to a large number of nationals from other countries under facilitated entry rules, avoiding the need to apply for a visa at first.
From March 1, 2024, China and Thailand agreed on a permanent visa-free entry agreement, permitting citizens of both territories to travel without visas.
As part of efforts to enhance bilateral relations, China and Singapore abolished visa requirements for 30-day stays.
In addition, China expanded the 30-day visa-free travel policy for the province of Hainan to include family reunions, sports competitions, and business purposes.
In March this year, the country announced that it would permit visa-free entry to nationals of the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary, Switzerland, and Ireland.
Back then, Chinese authorities announced that the decision would become effective on March 14 and would remain effective until November 30, 2024.
Several Visa-Free Entry Decisions Taken in 2nd Half of This Year
In June 2024, China decided to permit visa-free entry to Australians and New Zealanders, as confirmed by the Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
In the same month, China also announced that it lifted visa requirements for nationals of Poland, permitting them to stay in the country for up to 15 days without visas.
In September this year, the President of China, Xi Jinping and the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, met in Beijing, where they agreed on a visa-free travel policy.
China and Norway agreed to allow holders of Norwegian passports to enter visa-free China for stays of up to 15 days for business, tourism and transit purposes, among others.
This [visa-free travel for short stays] will make it much easier for Norwegian businesses, students and others to travel to China. It facilitates more cooperation.
Authorities in China also announced plans to permit visa-free travel for nationals of Slovenia and Greece, as well as those from Cyprus and Denmark.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 1 that from November 8, 2024, the country would permit visa-free entry for nationals of South Korea, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Andorra, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein and Slovakia.