To promote between Chinese and foreign nationals, China decided to extend the visa-exemption policy for short-term visit to China for 12 countries, namely Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland and Malaysia until December 31, 2025. Polish citizens join the list on 1 July.

In 2023, China recorded 35.5 million entries and exits by foreigners, according to immigration statistics. There is a surge in interest in China as a tourist destination among Europeans. 

The United Kingdom and Germany were among the top 10 sources of inbound travellers to China globally, and the data from online travel agency trip.com showed a 663% increase in overall bookings from Europe to China compared to 2022. Shanghai is the most popular destination, followed by Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Ordinary passport holders from the 12 countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit purposes, which is believed to be China’s commitment to fostering people-to-people exchange and determination to opening up.