China is expanding its visa-exempt countries. From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, visa-free policies will be trialed for ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan.

This policy adjustment also includes visits for exchanges under the visa-exempt entry reasons, extending the visa-free stay from the current 15 days to 30 days. Starting from November 30, 2024, citizens of a total of 38 visa-exempt countries, including the aforementioned nine, can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

On December 4, around 11:00 AM, flight MU5078 from Osaka, Japan, arrived at Xinqiao International Airport in Hefei. Eleven foreign travelers entered through the Hefei port, and the Hefei border inspection processed visa-exempt entry for five eligible travelers. "The new visa-exempt policy not only makes it convenient for us to come to China for exchanges and visits, but also allows for a longer stay, which is really great," said one of the incoming foreign travelers.

With the continuous optimization of the visa-free policy, the number of entry and exit personnel enjoying the visa exemption at Hefei port has significantly increased. This year, the number of entry and exit at the international port at Hefei Xinqiao Airport has reached 268,000 times, a year-on-year increase of approximately 177%, primarily for tourism and business purposes.

Source: Anhui Business Daily