China Announces Visa Free Entry To Five EU Countries

China will temporarily exempt citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia from needing visas to visit the world’s second-largest economy in a bid to give a boost to post-pandemic tourism.

From December 1 to November 30 next year, citizens of those countries entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting for no more than 15 days, will not need a visa, a foreign ministry Spokesperson said on Friday.

China has been taking steps in recent months including restoring international flight routes to revive its tourism sector following three years of strict COVID-19 measures that largely shut its borders to the outside world.

The Government is also looking to re-establish its image around the world after clashing with many Western countries on various issues including COVID, human rights, Taiwan and trade.

REUTERS