More Europeans can now visit China visa-free for 30 days
Citizens from 74 countries can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, a big jump from previous regulations.
The government has been steadily expanding visa-free entry in a bid to boost tourism, the economy and its soft power. More than 20 million foreign visitors entered without a visa in 2024 – more than double from the previous year, according to the National Immigration Administration.
'This really helps people to travel because it is such a hassle to apply for a visa and go through the process,' Giorgi Shavadze, a Georgian living in Austria, said on a recent visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
China's tourism industry gears up after years of slow recovery
While most tourist sites are still packed with far more domestic tourists than foreigners, travel companies and tour guides are now bracing for a bigger influx in anticipation of summer holidaymakers coming to China.
'I'm practically overwhelmed with tours and struggling to keep up,' says Gao Jun, a veteran English-speaking tour guide with over 20 years of experience. To meet growing demand, he launched a new business to train anyone interested in becoming an English-speaking tour guide. 'I just can't handle them all on my own,' he said.
After lifting tough COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, China reopened its borders to tourists in early 2023, but only 13.8 million people visited in that year – less than half the 31.9 million in 2019, the last year before the pandemic.
30-day entry for many in Europe
In December 2023, China announced visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Almost all of Europe has been added since then.
Travellers from five Latin American countries and Uzbekistan became eligible last month, followed by four in the Middle East. The total will grow to 75 on 16 July with the addition of Azerbaijan.
About two-thirds of the countries have been granted visa-free entry on a one-year trial basis.
For Norwegian traveller Øystein Sporsheim, this means his family would no longer need to make two round-trip visits to the Chinese embassy in Oslo to apply for a tourist visa – a time-consuming and costly process with two children in tow. 'They don't very often open, so it was much harder,' he said.
Europeans driving a tourism rebound
'The new visa policies are 100 per cent beneficial to us,' said Jenny Zhao, a managing director of WildChina, which specialises in boutique and luxury routes for international travellers. She said business is up 50 per cent compared with before the pandemic.
While the United States remains their largest source market, accounting for around 30 per cent of their current business, European travellers now make up 15–20 per cent of their clients – a sharp increase from less than 5 per cent before 2019, according to Zhao.
'We're quite optimistic,' Zhao said. 'We hope these benefits will continue.'
Trip.com Group, a Shanghai-based online travel agency, said the visa-free policy has significantly boosted tourism. Air, hotel and other bookings on their website for travel to China doubled in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year, with 75 per cent of the visitors from visa-free regions.
No major African country is eligible for visa-free entry, despite the continent's relatively close ties with China.
Transit stays offer another option for non-eligible countries
Those from 10 countries not in the visa-free scheme have another option: entering China for up to 10 days if they depart for a different country than the one they came from. The policy is limited to 60 ports of entry, according to the country's National Immigration Administration.
The transit policy applies to 55 countries, but most are also on the 30-day visa-free entry list.
It does offer a more restrictive option for citizens of the 10 countries that aren't: the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Indonesia, Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Aside from the United Kingdom, Sweden is the only other high-income European country that didn't make the 30-day list.
Ties with China have frayed since the ruling Chinese Communist Party sentenced a Swedish bookseller, Gui Minhai, to prison for 10 years in 2020. Gui disappeared in 2015 from his seaside home in Thailand but turned up months later in police custody in mainland China.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'He Spent Millions for a Single Thrill': Zuckerberg Crosses 5,300 Miles on Twin Superyachts, Helicopters to a Peak, and Skis Down Like No One Else
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Mark Zuckerberg orchestrated a 5,280-mile journey to Norway's fjords using his two superyachts, the Launchpad and the Wingman . orchestrated a 5,280-mile journey to Norway's fjords using his two superyachts, the and the . 🛳️ These yachts served as a floating base for a high-end heliskiing adventure, cleverly bypassing Norway's strict helicopter landing regulations. adventure, cleverly bypassing Norway's strict helicopter landing regulations. 🎿 Known for his adventurous spirit, Zuckerberg skied down remote Norwegian peaks, blending extreme sport with ultra-luxury. with ultra-luxury. 🌍 The escapade raises questions about sustainability and the environmental impact of such luxurious undertakings. As the Easter holiday arrived, many sought sunshine and relaxation, but Mark Zuckerberg had a different plan in mind. The Meta CEO orchestrated a grand adventure, mobilizing two of his superyachts for an epic journey stretching over 5,280 miles to Norway's breathtaking fjords. While the sheer scope of this voyage is impressive, the underlying purpose adds layers of luxury, adventure, and a hint of controversy. This escapade not only highlights Zuckerberg's adventurous spirit but also raises important questions about sustainability and the environmental impact of such opulent undertakings. A $330 Million Logistical Luxury The vessels at the heart of this ambitious journey are the Launchpad and the Wingman. The Launchpad, a 387-foot yacht, is valued at a staggering $300 million, while the Wingman, a support vessel equipped with a helipad, adds another $30 million to the equation. Together, these yachts embarked from the United States, traversing the North Atlantic to reach Norway's icy shores. Serving as a floating base, they set the stage for a high-end heliskiing adventure for Zuckerberg and his family. Norway's stringent environmental regulations restrict helicopter landings for tourism, but Zuckerberg skillfully navigated these rules. By utilizing the helipad on his yacht instead of landing on Norwegian soil, he sidestepped the legal requirements. This strategic maneuver meant no permits were necessary, as the helicopter never touched land. This blend of luxury and logistical mastery underscores the ability of high-profile individuals to leverage resources to carve their own paths, both literally and metaphorically. 'California's Electric Train Revolution Slashes Toxic Pollution': 89% Drop in Carcinogens Marks Historic Win for Public Health and Climate Between Extreme Sport and Ultra-Luxury Heliskiing is an elite sport, reserved for those with a taste for adventure. It allows skiers to descend pristine, untouched slopes that are inaccessible by conventional means. Zuckerberg, known for his adventurous pursuits like martial arts and surfing, indulged in this unique experience. Skiing down remote Norwegian peaks in one of the world's most isolated settings, he epitomized the intersection of extreme sport and ultra-luxury. In 2024, Zuckerberg had already showcased his penchant for opulence by dispatching the Launchpad to Tahiti for a luxurious cruise, without even stepping onboard. His fleet remains on standby, ready to accommodate his desires at a moment's notice. Recent maritime data reveals the Launchpad's current station in Longyearbyen, within the Svalbard archipelago, one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth. This readiness and capability highlight Zuckerberg's commitment to pursuing extraordinary experiences, regardless of location. 'UN Defies US Threats': Global Carbon Tax on Shipping Passed in Historic Move That Shakes Oil Giants and Trade Routes Logistical Mastery or Legal Loophole? This remarkable escapade raises questions as much as it garners admiration. Is it a demonstration of logistical prowess, unabashed luxury, or legal ingenuity? By navigating over 5,280 miles, Zuckerberg not only showcases his capability to orchestrate such a complex operation but also his deftness in operating within, yet on the edge of, regulatory frameworks. His approach offers a glimpse into how high-profile individuals can leverage resources to carve their own paths — both literally and metaphorically. Whether it's the audacity of transporting luxury yachts across the ocean or the thrill of skiing untouched mountains, Zuckerberg's adventure underscores a unique intersection of wealth, adventure, and legal navigation that few can emulate. It is a testament to how individuals of significant means can transcend conventional boundaries, creating bespoke experiences that are as awe-inspiring as they are controversial. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks The Broader Implications of Such Adventures While this high-profile journey showcases the possibilities available to the ultra-wealthy, it also prompts broader discussions about the ethical and environmental implications of such exploits. The massive expenditure and environmental footprint of transporting superyachts across oceans raise questions about sustainability and responsibility. These voyages, while impressive, draw attention to the broader societal impacts of wealth concentration and environmental stewardship. The juxtaposition of extreme luxury against the backdrop of global economic disparities invites reflection on the societal impacts of wealth concentration. As we marvel at the logistics and legal maneuvering, we must also consider the broader implications for both environmental stewardship and social equity. In the grand scheme, Mark Zuckerberg's Norwegian adventure serves as a testament to the lengths some will go for unique experiences. But it also challenges us to think about the balance between indulgence and responsibility. How do we reconcile the allure of luxury and adventure with the pressing need for sustainable practices and equitable resource distribution? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (21)
Euronews
4 days ago
- Euronews
Welsh tourist tax to launch in 2027 to keep native language alive
It's been a long time coming, but Wales has confirmed it will allow local councils to introduce a tourist tax starting in 2027. The levy will add £1.30 (€1.50) per night to the price of accommodation in Wales, or £0.75 (€0.90) for visitors over the age of 18 staying on campsites and in hostels. The tax won't be universally applied across Wales. Rather, different regional councils will decide for themselves whether to introduce the levy in their area. Some exemptions have been noted too, including when lodging with family or at an individual's sole or main residence, or staying for over 31 days in a single period. First floated in 2018, a public consultation for the proposed tourist tax was held in 2022. Now that it's officially passed into law by the national parliament, the new Welsh tourist tax is expected to come into force in 2027. What will Wales tourist tax be spent on? Taxes on visitors are nothing new, but efforts have significantly ramped up in recent years. As long ago as 1910, France introduced its 'taxe de séjour,' becoming the first country in the world to do so. Today, more than 60 destinations around the world have such a tax in place, including Barcelona, Amsterdam and, since April, Venice. In most cases, the proceeds from such taxes are used to fund specific projects or events, market the destination, or diversify the economy of areas reliant on tourist cash. The Welsh government also says it will use the earnings to fund improvements to infrastructure that will benefit both residents and tourists, including toilets, footpaths, beaches, and support visitor centres. But it has another plan for its tax winnings, and it's about protecting one of the country's most unique elements. Welsh language speakers are in decline: latest figures from the Welsh Government show that as of 30 June 2024, just 27.8 per cent of people aged three and over were able to speak Welsh. This was the lowest percentage recorded in the last eight years - and around 1.4 percentage points lower than in 2023. Will the tourist tax in Wales really help revive the national language? Efforts are already underway to boost the language under the government's Cymraeg 2050 plan, which aims to have a million Welsh speakers by 2050. To date, much of the work has focused on children, including school curriculum reforms and the promotion of Welsh-medium playgroups (Cylchoedd Meithrin). But more efforts are needed to get to a million Welsh speakers, and the estimated £33 million (€38 million) raised from such a tourist tax is seen as a valuable vehicle for driving this change. The new visitor levy could support the language 'particularly within Welsh-speaking communities where tourism is considered a significant contributor to the local economy,' said the Welsh Government'. How this translates into concrete action remains to be seen, particularly given the element of local authority autonomy. However, it also suggests that revenue could be used to 'promote the visibility, vitality, and viability of the Welsh language, as well as increase the awareness and appreciation of visitors and residents alike'. More UK cities are planning to charge visitors The idea of making tourists pay more to directly support the local area is gaining traction across the UK. Last year, Edinburgh announced plans to become the first Scottish city to introduce a tourist tax, which will apply from 2026. The fee has been set at five per cent of accommodation costs and is expected to raise up to £50 million (€59 million) a year to be used to make improvements to the city. In England, primary legislation would be required to permit a tourist tax, with neither central government nor local councils having the power to introduce such a levy. However, other UK cities are getting in on the action via a legal workaround that could be rolled out more widely in the coming years. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are partnerships operated by local businesses intended to provide additional services or improvements to a specific area. Through this mechanism, cities can collect additional business rate payments (BID levies) from companies in that district. Several English cities have already used this to target tourism, and more are set to follow. Manchester introduced an 'accommodation BID' in April 2023, known as the 'City Visitor Charge.' Liverpool established a similar system at around the same time, and tourism BIDs also exist in cities including Blackpool, Great Yarmouth, and Tweed Valley. The combined unitary authority of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch (BPC) revealed plans to apply a £2 (€2.30) per night 'visitor charge' this summer, although a backlash from the hospitality sector has put the plans temporarily on hold. BPC maintains that as many as 60 other UK cities are poised to introduce levies through the BID system.
Euronews
5 days ago
- Euronews
More Europeans can now visit China visa-free for 30 days
Travellers from dozens of countries – including much of Europe – can now enter China without a visa, as the country opens up in a bid to revive tourism. Citizens from 74 countries can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, a big jump from previous regulations. The government has been steadily expanding visa-free entry in a bid to boost tourism, the economy and its soft power. More than 20 million foreign visitors entered without a visa in 2024 – more than double from the previous year, according to the National Immigration Administration. 'This really helps people to travel because it is such a hassle to apply for a visa and go through the process,' Giorgi Shavadze, a Georgian living in Austria, said on a recent visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. China's tourism industry gears up after years of slow recovery While most tourist sites are still packed with far more domestic tourists than foreigners, travel companies and tour guides are now bracing for a bigger influx in anticipation of summer holidaymakers coming to China. 'I'm practically overwhelmed with tours and struggling to keep up,' says Gao Jun, a veteran English-speaking tour guide with over 20 years of experience. To meet growing demand, he launched a new business to train anyone interested in becoming an English-speaking tour guide. 'I just can't handle them all on my own,' he said. After lifting tough COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, China reopened its borders to tourists in early 2023, but only 13.8 million people visited in that year – less than half the 31.9 million in 2019, the last year before the pandemic. 30-day entry for many in Europe In December 2023, China announced visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Almost all of Europe has been added since then. Travellers from five Latin American countries and Uzbekistan became eligible last month, followed by four in the Middle East. The total will grow to 75 on 16 July with the addition of Azerbaijan. About two-thirds of the countries have been granted visa-free entry on a one-year trial basis. For Norwegian traveller Øystein Sporsheim, this means his family would no longer need to make two round-trip visits to the Chinese embassy in Oslo to apply for a tourist visa – a time-consuming and costly process with two children in tow. 'They don't very often open, so it was much harder,' he said. Europeans driving a tourism rebound 'The new visa policies are 100 per cent beneficial to us,' said Jenny Zhao, a managing director of WildChina, which specialises in boutique and luxury routes for international travellers. She said business is up 50 per cent compared with before the pandemic. While the United States remains their largest source market, accounting for around 30 per cent of their current business, European travellers now make up 15–20 per cent of their clients – a sharp increase from less than 5 per cent before 2019, according to Zhao. 'We're quite optimistic,' Zhao said. 'We hope these benefits will continue.' Group, a Shanghai-based online travel agency, said the visa-free policy has significantly boosted tourism. Air, hotel and other bookings on their website for travel to China doubled in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year, with 75 per cent of the visitors from visa-free regions. No major African country is eligible for visa-free entry, despite the continent's relatively close ties with China. Transit stays offer another option for non-eligible countries Those from 10 countries not in the visa-free scheme have another option: entering China for up to 10 days if they depart for a different country than the one they came from. The policy is limited to 60 ports of entry, according to the country's National Immigration Administration. The transit policy applies to 55 countries, but most are also on the 30-day visa-free entry list. It does offer a more restrictive option for citizens of the 10 countries that aren't: the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Indonesia, Canada, the United States and Mexico. Aside from the United Kingdom, Sweden is the only other high-income European country that didn't make the 30-day list. Ties with China have frayed since the ruling Chinese Communist Party sentenced a Swedish bookseller, Gui Minhai, to prison for 10 years in 2020. Gui disappeared in 2015 from his seaside home in Thailand but turned up months later in police custody in mainland China.
