Monday, September 30, 2024 China has announced a new visa-waiver policy that allows nationals from Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Slovenia to enter the country visa-free starting October 15, 2024, until December 31, 2025. This development, confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry during a press conference, applies to passport holders from these countries traveling to China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for periods not exceeding 15 days. This strategic move is part of China’s ongoing efforts to bolster its tourism sector and economic relationships post-pandemic.
The decision comes at a crucial time, as China continues to recover from the downturn caused by pandemic restrictions. Since lifting travel restrictions in late 2022, China has actively expanded its unilateral visa-free policies to attract more foreign visitors, with a special focus on boosting international tourism and revitalizing the country’s stagnant tourism industry . Airline Route (From-To) Countries Connected (China to) Flight Frequency Duration Air China Beijing (PEK) – Lisbon (LIS) Portugal 3 times/week 12 hours 40 mins TAP Air Portugal Lisbon (LIS) – Beijing (PEK) Portugal 3 times/week 12 hours 30 mins Hainan Airlines Shanghai (PVG) – Lisbon (LIS) Portugal 2 times/week 13 hours Aegean Airlines Athens (ATH) – Beijing (PEK) Greece 3 times/week 10 hours 50 mins Air China Shanghai (PVG) – Athens (ATH) Greece 2 times/week 10 hours 30 mins China Southern Airlines Guangzhou (CAN) �.