China expands 15-day visa-free program for international visitors

China announced on November 1 an expansion of its short-term visa exemption pilot program for international visitors.

This policy will be applied from November 8 and last until the end of 2025, with the expectation of strongly promoting trade and tourism activities into this country.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the program allows citizens from nine additional countries including South Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Lithuania and Finland to enter China without a visa for a maximum of 15 days. Visitors can come to China for various reasons such as business, tourism, visiting relatives or transit.

Previously, in May, China decided to extend the 15-day visa exemption until the end of 2025 for 12 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malaysia. These are the countries that China has applied a pilot short-term visa exemption from the end of 2023.

The program is not only aimed at attracting international tourists but also reflects China's efforts to enhance relations with other countries, creating opportunities for bilateral trade activities in the current context of globalization.