The visa will not be mandatory for stays of less than 15 days until November 2024

China is having a difficult time recovering from the financial blow that the COVID-19 pandemic caused the global economy. In one of its attempts to open up to international tourism to boost its economy, the Asian giant has eliminated the need for a visa for citizens of Spain, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands who visit the country.

With a brief and concise statement, the Chinese foreign spokesperson Mao Ning announced at a press conference the temporary suspension of this mandatory procedure to travel to China. “China has decided to experimentally expand the scope of countries with unilateral visa exemption to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia,” the spokesperson announced.

The new measure came into force on December 1, 2023 and will remain until November 30, 2024 and will apply to all citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain who travel to China for business, tourism, visits to family and friends, or in transit to other countries, as long as your stay is not more than 15 days. For longer stays it will be necessary to apply for an entry visa.

An opening measure

This measure, beyond simplifying the travel process, marks a milestone in China’s economic recovery strategy. After implementing rigorous pandemic containment measures, the country was left behind in its return to normality, severely affecting its recovery prospects. The real estate and credit crisis, aggravated by the fall of giants like Evergrande, has added complications to this panorama.

Furthermore, the technological struggle with the United States has challenged growth expectations, leaving China with a technological pillar weakened by the international blockade. In response to these challenges, the decision to eliminate the visa shows China’s willingness to adopt a more open approach, especially supported by regions such as Shanghai and Hong Kong, which are seeking to attract tourism and investment in the face of mobility restrictions.