China's foreign ministry has announced that it will be conducting a trial period of visa-free travel for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. From December 2023 to 30 November 2024, individuals holding ordinary passports from these countries will be able to conduct business or travel in China for up to 15 days without the need for a visa. The aim of this initiative, according to spokeswoman Mao Ning, is to support China's high-quality development and promote its openness. Currently, most travellers are required to obtain a visa before entering China.
According to a BBC report, those exempt include citizens of Singapore and Brunei, who are entering China for, family visits, business, tourism and transit for no more than 15 days. In March of this year, China resumed issuing all types of visas after imposing strict travel restrictions in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
China implemented some of the toughest Covid measures globally for three years, including travel limitations, multiple lockdowns, and frequent testing mandates. Its zero-Covid approach, which had a significant impact on the economy, was only terminated in December last year. Prior to the outbreak, China welcomed tens of millions of foreign tourists annually.
Photo: BBC
(With Input from agencies)
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