China will introduce visa-free travel to nine more countries – spokesman

BEIJING — China has decided to apply its visa-free policy to nine more countries on a trial basis, a foreign ministry official said Friday at a daily press briefing.

To further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and other countries, China has decided to expand its visa-free regime to include more countries, spokesman Lin Jian said.

He noted that from November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, a visa-free regime will be applied on an experimental basis to holders of ordinary passports from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan.

In addition, Lin said China has decided to further optimize its visa-free policy, including exchanges and visiting purposes in the scope of visa-free entry, and extend the permitted period of visa-free stay from the current 15 days to 30 days.

Starting November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the 38 countries included in its visa-free regime, including the aforementioned nine newly added countries, can enter China without the need to apply for a visa for business, tourism or visiting family purposes. , exchanges, visits and transit with a stay of no more than 30 days, Lin added.