China announced that it is extending its visa-free policy for a number of countries, including France, until December 31, 2026, and from November 10, Sweden will join the scheme, the foreign ministry reported, quoted by „Reuters“, reports News.bg.
According to the rules, visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.
China offers visa-free access to citizens from dozens of countries, including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, as well as several countries in South America and the Persian Gulf regions.
The move is part of Beijing's efforts to revive the tourism sector hit by strict COVID-19 restrictions and to boost foreign engagement.
Following a meeting in South Korea between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, Beijing confirmed that a one-year suspension of expanded export controls on rare earth elements would also apply to the EU.