China’s Visa-Free Entry Program Expands to Ireland and Switzerland
China has extended visa-free entry to two more European countries, Ireland and Switzerland, in a bid to boost tourism. The move comes after China introduced visa-free entry for citizens of five European countries and Malaysia in December 2023. China Visa-Free Entry
With this extension, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, and Switzerland will be able to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days for business or tourism purposes. The visa-free entry program is effective from January 19, 2024, to November 30, 2024.
The Chinese government has said that the extended visa-free entry program is part of its efforts to promote “high-quality development and opening up” to the outside world. The program is also expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment between China and the participating countries.
Here is a table summarizing the visa-free entry program for travelers from the seven participating countries:
| Country | Visa-free entry duration |
|---|---|
| France | Up to 15 days |
| Germany | Up to 15 days |
| Italy | Up to 15 days |
| Netherlands | Up to 15 days |
| Spain | Up to 15 days |
| Malaysia | Up to 15 days |
| Ireland | Up to 15 days |
| Switzerland | Up to 15 days |
Travelers from the participating countries must meet certain requirements to qualify for visa-free entry, such as holding a valid passport and proof of onward travel. More information about the visa-free entry program can be found on the website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The extension of visa-free entry to two more European countries is a positive development for tourism in China. It is likely to encourage more people from these countries to visit China, which could boost the country’s economy.
South Korea and Thailand Lead the Way in China Tourism – France Reigns Supreme Among European Nations China Visa-Free Entry
According to the latest statistics from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the top 5 source markets for China inbound tourism in 2022 were:
- South Korea (4.2 million visitors)
- Thailand (3.7 million visitors)
- Malaysia (2.2 million visitors)
- Japan (2.2 million visitors)
- Russia (1.7 million visitors)
Among European countries, France is the top source market for China’s inbound tourism, with an estimated 1.1 million visitors in 2022. Germany and the United Kingdom follow closely behind, with 900,000 and 800,000 visitors, respectively.
