Close Menu
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Trending

Wimbledon star says 'they've stole it' as huge error causes major controversy on Centre Court

July 7, 2025

John Fury reveals all about life as gangland enforcer and ‘putting boss through table’

July 7, 2025

BRICS group condemns increase of tariffs in summit overshadowed by Middle East tensions

July 6, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Se Connecter
July 7, 2025
Euro News Source
Live Markets Newsletter
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Euro News Source
Home»Travel
Travel

38 European Countries, Including Italy, France, and Germany, Can Now Travel to China Visa-Free

News RoomBy News RoomNovember 30, 2024
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Copy Link Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram

China is expanding its visa-free travel scheme to boost tourism, adding eight more European countries to its growing list of those allowed entry without a visa. Citizens from Bulgaria, Romania, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Estonia, and Latvia will benefit from this change, commencing on November 30, 2024, through December 31, 2025. This follows a series of additions, including recent exemptions for passport holders from Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovakia, and Norway. In addition, countries such as Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, and Slovenia have joined the list, increasing the total number of European nations with visa-free access to 38. Various other countries, including Poland, Australia, and New Zealand, also enjoy unrestricted access until the end of 2025.

This expansion of China’s visa-free policy is part of a larger effort to stimulate tourism and business travel while fostering greater exchanges between Chinese citizens and international visitors. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has emphasized the importance of facilitating high-quality personnel exchanges and enhancing China’s openness towards foreign interactions. The newly updated list includes popular European destinations known for their rich cultural and historical heritage, further attracting tourists to experience not only China’s iconic landmarks but also its vibrant local traditions.

Despite these measures, China’s international travel hasn’t fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. After enduring years of stringent pandemic restrictions, including mandatory quarantines, many travelers chose to delay or cancel their trips to China. While restrictions have mostly been lifted, making way for increased international arrivals, figures show that travel volume remains significantly lower than in 2019. In 2023, the nation recorded 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners, which is nearly 63% lower than in the previous record year.

Notably, during the third quarter of 2023, approximately 8.2 million foreigners entered China, out of which almost 4.9 million traveled without a visa, indicating that the simplified entry policy is yielding some positive outcomes. Business travel is experiencing a gradual resurgence, with notable business leaders like Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook frequenting China for trade exhibitions and meetings. However, general tourism remains subdued, with foreign visitors still appearing relatively scarce compared to pre-pandemic times.

The renewed interest in China as a tourist haven has been underscored by 2022 data reflecting a 663% increase in bookings from Europe, with a noticeable uptick of nearly 29% compared to 2019 figures. Prominent cities like Shanghai and Beijing remain top destinations for European travelers, luring them with a mix of modernity and tradition. Emerging destinations, such as Sanya and Chengdu, are also gaining traction, enriching China’s appeal as a diverse travel locale.

In addition to the visa-free schemes, China is augmenting its efforts to attract tourists by investing in technological advancements in tourism infrastructure, enhancing services, and fostering partnerships with travel agencies like Trip.com to promote cultural and historical attractions. These initiatives aim to not only simplify travel logistics but also enhance the overall experience for international visitors, thereby laying the groundwork for a robust recovery in China’s tourism sector. The strategic framework seeks to ensure that the influx of tourists leads to sustainable economic growth, reinforcing China’s position as a prime destination on the global tourism map.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email

Keep Reading

Sustainable, natural and light-filled: Here’s why these are the world’s most beautiful airports

Travel July 1, 2025

‘Less numerous, less big, less polluting’: Cannes to ban cruise ships with over 1,000 passengers

Travel June 30, 2025

Send a letter to yourself in 2045: The quiet charm of Paris’s time-travelling café

Travel June 29, 2025

This Italian coastline has all the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and none of the crowds

Travel June 28, 2025

French air traffic controllers call for strikes as busy summer holiday season begins

Travel June 27, 2025

Slovenia is launching a digital nomad visa. Here’s who is eligible and how to apply

Travel June 26, 2025

Porto bans the sale of alcohol for consumption on the street at night to tackle ‘botellon’ problem

Travel June 25, 2025

Eurostar warns passengers to cancel or postpone journeys after cable theft causes major disruption

Travel June 25, 2025

Flight cancelled to the Middle East? Here are your passenger rights and travel insurance advice

Travel June 24, 2025

Editors Picks

John Fury reveals all about life as gangland enforcer and ‘putting boss through table’

July 7, 2025

BRICS group condemns increase of tariffs in summit overshadowed by Middle East tensions

July 6, 2025

Mum, 39, dies after being found seriously injured in the street as police launch murder probe

July 6, 2025

Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 78 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missing

July 6, 2025

Latest News

Holiday home horror as property trashed after gender reveal turns into drunken rampage

July 6, 2025

Major search as person swept into Blackpool sea and rescuers suffer hypothermia

July 6, 2025

Texas floods LIVE: Camp Mystic boss died trying to save kids as 11 still missing

July 6, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Europe and World news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram
2025 © Euro News Source. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below.

Lost password?