On Friday, China announced it will extend visa-free entry to citizens from nine additional countries, including South Korea, Norway, and Finland. This initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and business, will take effect on November 8, 2024, and will remain in place until December 31, 2025.
Nationals from South Korea, Norway, Finland, Slovakia, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein will be allowed to enter China for up to 15 days without a visa. This visa exemption covers purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and transit, as stated by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This expansion is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance economic and cultural exchanges. Recently, the country has implemented similar visa-free arrangements for citizens of several European and Asian nations. For instance, from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can also enjoy 15 days of visa-free entry for business, tourism, family visits, and transit.
Moreover, starting from November 17, 2023, Norwegian citizens will have access to 72 or 144-hour visa-free transit upon arrival in over 20 Chinese cities. Additionally, visitors to Hainan Province can enter without a visa for up to 15 or 21 days if they are part of an approved group tour.
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China also allows visa-free entry under certain circumstances, such as for APEC Business Travel Card holders and foreigners holding a valid Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Card or Residence Permit for Foreigners in the People’s Republic of China.