China has unveiled a temporary visa exemption for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to stimulate post-pandemic tourism. 

From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, individuals from these countries can visit China for various purposes, including tourism, business, visiting relatives, or transit, for up to 15 days without needing a visa, announced a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.

Tourism Recovery Initiatives:

China has been actively reviving its tourism sector, significantly impacted by strict COVID-19 measures over the past few years. 

Measures to boost tourism include reinstating international flight routes and expanding visa-free transit policies. 

Recently, China extended its visa-free transit policy to encompass citizens from Norway and abolished COVID-19 testing requirements for inbound travelers to encourage tourism.

Reopening International Travel:

The country has seen a gradual increase in international flights, signaling a recovery in global travel. 

China’s aviation regulatory body disclosed plans for 16,680 weekly flights over the upcoming five months, aiming for passenger flights to reach 71% of the total recorded four years ago. 

While international flights are recuperating slower than domestic ones, the revival indicates a positive trajectory for global travel into and out of China.