China allows visa-free entry for citizens of 11 European countries until 2025.

China has extended its visa-free travel program for 11 European countries and Malaysia until the end of 2025 in an effort to boost tourism and international ties. The program, which was initially set to last for one year, aims to encourage more people to visit China for business and tourism, as well as promote exchanges between Chinese citizens and foreign nationals.

Citizens of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland will now be allowed to enter China without a visa until the end of next year. The visa-free entry will be granted for up to 15 days in the trial program.

China’s strict pandemic measures, including required quarantines for all arrivals, had discouraged many people from visiting for nearly three years. Although the restrictions were lifted early last year, international travel to China has yet to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

In 2023, China recorded 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners, compared to 97.7 million in 2019. The government has been seeking foreign investment to boost the economy, and some businesspeople have been coming for trade fairs and meetings. However, foreign tourists are still a rare sight compared to before the pandemic.

Last year saw a surge in interest in China as a tourist destination among Europeans, with a 663% increase in overall bookings from Europe to China compared to 2022. The United Kingdom and Germany were among the top 10 sources of inbound travelers to China globally. Shanghai remains the most popular destination among Europeans, followed by Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Sanya and Chengdu are emerging destinations, and China is further encouraging inbound tourism by promoting cultural and historical attractions and investing in tourism infrastructure.