From November 30, 2024, tourists of 37 nationalities including the French will be able to stay in China without a visa for 30 days instead of 15. An announcement illustrating an ambitious tourism recovery strategy.
What if it was the right time to travel to China? Since December 2023, the country has been experimenting with visa exemption for a handful of countries, including France, Germany and Italy. The objective? Restore momentum to foreign tourism, undermined by health restrictions linked to the pandemic.
One year later, Beijing is moving up a gear: from November 30, 2024, the length of stay without a visa doubles, increasing to 30 days. In addition, the list of eligible countries is growing with the arrival of Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro, Japan, and several other European and Asian nations. But China doesn’t stop there. The reasons for travel authorized without a visa are expanding: in addition to traditional tourist or business stays, professional exchange visits are now being added, opening the door to new economic and cultural opportunities.
On site, locals are delighted to see foreign tourists return. The country has not returned to its pre-Covid attendance levels and remains more affordable in terms of price than its neighbors in Southeast Asia.
Marie Fejoz, China production manager
The figures speak for themselves: in the third quarter of 2024,’Middle Kingdom recorded 8.19 million foreign visitors, an increase of 48.8% compared to last year. Among them, nearly 4.9 million crossed the borders thanks to the visa exemption, a dazzling increase of 78.6% in just one year.
This record influx demonstrates the effectiveness of this policy, designed to simplify administrative procedures while increasing the attractiveness of the country. For example, visa application forms for longer stays have been reduced by 34%, and fees have been reduced by 25%, a strong signal sent to travelers around the world.
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An opening towards the future
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More than a simple gesture for tourism, the relaxation of visas reflects a strategic desire from Beijing. By facilitating access to the territory, China seeks to strengthen its bilateral relations and stimulate economic exchanges. Japan, for example, is once again benefiting from this policy after several years of restrictions, a major diplomatic breakthrough after a period of tensions.
“This is good news, travelers who go to China generally stay more than 15 days theresmiles Marie Fejoz, China production manager at Les Maison des Voyages (Figaro Group). China is a wonderful destination, which has not returned to its pre-Covid levels of tourist attendance, due among other things to a lower air supply”she notes.
“With this extension of the duration of visas, we will be able to once again offer our best-seller entitled All China and which extends over 20 days starting from Beijing and ending in Shanghai, while crisscrossing the country by Datong and its caves, Pingyao, Xian, Yangshuo and its karst landscapes, Zhaoxing, the rice fields of Jiabang and Rongjiang…”she rejoices.
With these new measures, China aims to once again become a key player in global tourism while promoting international collaborations. A winning bet, at a time when travelers are looking for destinations that are both accessible and fascinating.
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