[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]At a recent press conference held during the National People’s Congress meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the extension of China’s visa exemption policy to six additional European countries, starting from March 14.
Minister Wang revealed, “I wish to share with you that starting from March 14, China will further extend, on a pilot basis, visa exemption to six countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.”
Read more: UK Closely Reviews Crackdown On Foreign Worker Visas
The initial disclosure of visa exemptions for Swiss and Irish passport holders was made in January, coinciding with Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visits to these countries, as reported by Chinese state media. The inclusion of four additional countries, as stated by Minister Wang, represents the latest expansion of this policy.
China’s objective with these initiatives is to streamline travel for visitors from specific countries, ultimately contributing to the growth of foreign tourism.
In January, China entered into a reciprocal agreement with Thailand and Singapore, permanently waiving tourist visa requirements for citizens of both nations, effective from March.
Following a similar approach, in November of the previous year, China initiated a trial program allowing visitors from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to enter the country visa-free for a 15-day period.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
