China Initiates 15-Day Visa-Free Entry For Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain & Malaysia

Mainland China will give ordinary passport holders from six nations visa-free access to the country as part of a trial programme from December 1, 2023-November 30, 2024. Citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can visit China for tourism, business, family, and transit visits for up to 15 days during this year-long period.

The latest move is part of the government’s efforts to open up the country as, currently, only citizens of Brunei and Singapore may enter Mainland China without a visa for 15 days. Earlier this month, the National Immigration Administration added Norway to the list of countries whose citizens can transit through China visa-free for up to 144 hours, bringing the total to 54.

Under this policy, nationals of these countries who transit through Changsha, Guilin, and Harbin can stay in these areas without visas for 72 hours, while those that head to third countries via 20 other cities — including Beijing and Shanghai — can remain for up to 144 hours.

China resumed issuing visas to foreigners in March this year after three years, and reinstated its visa-free entry policy for tourists travelling from Hong Kong to Hainan Island, Guangdong, and to Shanghai on cruise ships. Immigration authorities also simplified the visa application process in September, requiring visitors to disclose less information regarding their travel history, educational background, and family details. The country also dropped the last of its Covid-19 restrictions on November 1, when it stopped requiring travellers to Mainland China from Hong Kong to fill out a health declaration form before they cross the border.

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