The Department of Consular Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 22 that to further facilitate international personnel exchanges, China has decided to extend its visa-free policy to more countries. From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passports holders from Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania will be granted visa-free entry on a trial basis.

In addition, China has decided to simultaneously optimize its entry policies by including exchange visits as a valid reason for visa-free entry, and extending the visa-free stay period from the current 15 days to 30 days. Starting from November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports of 38 countries, including the aforementioned nine countries, can enter and stay in China without visa for up to 30 days for purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, and transit. Individuals who do not meet the visa-free requirements still need to obtain a visa to enter China before arrival.

As of now, China has established mutual visa exemption agreements with 157 countries and regions. These agreements cover different types of passports. Meanwhile, foreigners can come to China for tourism or business through visa-free transit, cruise visa exemption, and visa-free policies for specific areas such as Hainan Island.

(Source: Beijing Daily)