China abolishes visa requirement for several countries
Beijing wants to boost its tourism, which is still weak even after the Corona pandemic - and probably also improve its image. from December, the visa requirement for citizens of some European countries will no longer apply. In future, a passport will be sufficient for trips of up to 15 days.
China wants to allow tourists and business people from Germany and other countries into the country without a visa in future. From December 1, the current visa requirement will no longer apply for one year, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. In future, it will be sufficient to hold a passport that is valid for at least six months on arrival in order to travel to the People's Republic. However, this does not apply indefinitely, but only for a maximum stay of 15 days. The new regulation should also apply to citizens from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.
The world's second-largest economy hopes that this will boost tourism, which has still not fully recovered from the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. China had largely sealed itself off for around three years. "This decision will make it easier for many German citizens to travel to China to an unprecedented extent," wrote the German ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, at X. "We hope that the Chinese government will implement the measures announced today for all EU member states." Visa-free travel to Germany is only possible for Chinese nationals if all members of the European Schengen Agreement agree.
Economy hopes for impetus
The German economy is hoping that the new regulation will boost relations with its most important trading partner by far. "The recently announced lifting of the visa requirement for short trips is an important signal that can boost both tourism and economic exchange," said Volker Treier, Head of Foreign Trade at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). "Above all, the regulation facilitates the maintenance of German machines, the assurance of quality 'Made in Germany', entrepreneurial exchange and the cultivation of interpersonal contacts." The companies are now hoping that the Chinese visa requirement for German citizens will be completely lifted after the initial test phase.
The temporary exemption from the visa requirement should apply to both business and tourist trips or visits from friends and relatives, as well as to people passing through. China has already taken other steps in recent months to revitalize its tourism industry, such as the resumption of international flight routes. The government in Beijing is also keen to improve its image in the world.
This month, China extended its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries, including citizens of Norway. In August, all corona tests for people entering the country were abolished.
China has announced a visa exemption for German citizens, among others, starting from December 1, aiming to stimulate its tourism industry and improve its international image. This temporary measure allows travelers to visit China for up to 15 days with only a valid passport, representing a significant development for German-Chinese relations in the tourism sector.
Source: www.ntv.de
