China announced that it is expanding its program for visa-free access, including new countries, including Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Montenegro, reports BTA.
The expansion of the program is part of Beijing's efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations with these countries.
These new entrants will benefit from the visa-free regime for a period of 30 November 2024. until December 31, 2025
„These countries will be included in the program from November 30 this year to December 31 next year”, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.
China is also extending the visa-free period for citizens of 38 countries already participating in the program. The period of visa-free stay will be extended from 15 to 30 days.
„The main purpose of visa-free access is to stimulate tourism and trade”, said a representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The Visa Waiver Program was created to facilitate international travel and promote the exchange of business and trade opportunities. Initially, only citizens of South Korea and some European countries have visa-free access to China. The expansion of the program is an important part of China's efforts to strengthen relations with new partners around the world.
„Our main goal is to create more favorable conditions for travel and economic exchanges between the countries included in the program”, said a spokesman for the Ministry.
The expanded program will have a significant impact on trade and tourism, stimulating even more active exchanges with the newly admitted countries.