Beijing Introduces Free China Visa for 5 EU Counties

China is testing visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia for a year, according to the country’s foreign ministry. Passport holders from these countries can do business or travel in China without a China visa for up to 15 days from December to November 30, 2024.

This will assist “promote China’s high-quality development and opening up,” according to spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday. Currently, most visitors to China require a China visa.

Citizens of Singapore and Brunei are among the few exceptions, since they enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for no more than 15 days.

Only in March did China resume granting all sorts of visas. In the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak, Japan imposed tight travel restrictions in March 2020.

China experienced some of the world’s tightest Covid limits for three years, with travel restrictions, many lockdowns, and periodic testing requirements.

Its zero-Covid policy, which had a significant impact on the economy, was only lifted last December.

Prior to the pandemic, China received tens of millions of international visitors each year.

A China visa is a permit issued by visa authorities of the People’s Republic of China to a foreign citizen for entry into, exit from, or transit through Chinese territory in line with Chinese laws and regulations.

According to the foreign citizen’s status, purpose of visit, and passport type, the China visa authorities will grant a diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa, or ordinary China visa.

The following steps are often involved in the process of acquiring a China Visa:

Determine the Visa Type:

China provides a variety of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, and work visas. Choose the one that best suits your travel needs.

Fill out the Visa Application Form:

The visa application form is normally available for download from the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate. Fill out the form completely and truthfully.

Gather the following documents:

The paperwork needed differ based on the type of visa you are seeking for. However, common documents include a valid passport, passport-sized pictures, a travel schedule, a hotel reservation, and, if necessary, an invitation letter.

Send the Application:

Send your application form and all other documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. Depending on the embassy’s policies, you may need to apply in person or through a visa provider.

China Visa fees:

Visa applications are frequently subject to a charge. Make sure you pay the exact amount in the accepted payment method.

Processing Delay:

Your China Visa processing times may differ. It is best to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Obtain Your China Visa:

When your visa is approved, go to the embassy or consulate to pick it up. Check all of the details to guarantee accuracy.

It’s important to remember that China may have special regulations and procedures that change from time to time. Always check the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

The validity of a visa refers to the period during which the visa bearer is permitted to enter China. Unless otherwise noted, a visa holder may visit China at any time prior to the expiry of validity (right up to midnight Beijing Time on the final day of validity), as long as the visa’s entries have not been used up.

A visa is valid from the date of issuance. Regardless of whether the visa’s entries are used up or not, the visa becomes invalid when its validity period expires.

Chinese embassies and consulates general do not extend the validity of issued visas. After the given visa expires, a new application is required. Foreigners with expired visas who attempt to enter the country will be denied admission. Before you leave for China, double-check that your visa is still valid. However, even if a foreigner has a valid visa, the immigration authorities may reject admission.

If you have any specific queries about China’s current visa requirements, you should contact the relevant Chinese diplomatic mission directly or speak with a visa service provider for the most up-to-date and correct information.