China Extends Visa-Free Entry for South Korea and Japan Until End of 2024
The Chinese government has decided to extend its visa-free entry policy for South Korea, Japan, and other countries for another year, until the end of 2024. Initially set to expire on December 31, 2023, this temporary measure has been extended due to its unexpectedly positive impact on attracting tourists.
According to industry sources on the 4th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 3rd that it will expand the visa waiver period for 45 countries, including South Korea and Japan, and that Sweden will also be newly included in the list of visa-free countries. Citizens holding general passports from these countries can stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting friends or relatives, exchange visits, and transit.
In response to domestic economic challenges, China has gradually expanded its visa-free pilot policy since November 2023. South Korea was included in the list of visa-free countries for the first time in November of the previous year.
The travel industry interprets this extension as a reaction to the explosive increase in travel demand to China following the implementation of the visa-free entry policy last year, which has led to a rapid recovery of the previously stagnant Chinese travel market.
In fact, since the introduction of the visa-free policy last year, interest in travel to China has surged. According to Hana Tour, bookings for China from November 1 to 21 last year increased by 75% compared to the previous three weeks, with package tours seeing a dramatic 110% increase. Specifically, bookings for Shanghai rose by 178%. This uptick is attributed to increased bookings for both group travel and independent travel, including flights and hotels.
Notably, there has been a significant rise in demand for short trips lasting 2 to 3 nights. With flight times of only 1 to 3 hours, these trips have gained popularity among working travelers, who often leave on Friday evenings and return on Sundays or Mondays, becoming known as night owl travel destinations.
Local observations also noted the surge in Korean tourist visits, with reports indicating, "In Shanghai, you can hardly see anyone other than Koreans..." This highlights the growing trend of Korean travelers flocking to these destinations, further emphasizing the importance of the visa-free policy in boosting tourism in China.
According to industry sources on the 4th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 3rd that it will expand the visa waiver period for 45 countries, including South Korea and Japan, and that Sweden will also be newly included in the list of visa-free countries. Citizens holding general passports from these countries can stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting friends or relatives, exchange visits, and transit.
In response to domestic economic challenges, China has gradually expanded its visa-free pilot policy since November 2023. South Korea was included in the list of visa-free countries for the first time in November of the previous year.
The travel industry interprets this extension as a reaction to the explosive increase in travel demand to China following the implementation of the visa-free entry policy last year, which has led to a rapid recovery of the previously stagnant Chinese travel market.
In fact, since the introduction of the visa-free policy last year, interest in travel to China has surged. According to Hana Tour, bookings for China from November 1 to 21 last year increased by 75% compared to the previous three weeks, with package tours seeing a dramatic 110% increase. Specifically, bookings for Shanghai rose by 178%. This uptick is attributed to increased bookings for both group travel and independent travel, including flights and hotels.
Notably, there has been a significant rise in demand for short trips lasting 2 to 3 nights. With flight times of only 1 to 3 hours, these trips have gained popularity among working travelers, who often leave on Friday evenings and return on Sundays or Mondays, becoming known as night owl travel destinations.
Local observations also noted the surge in Korean tourist visits, with reports indicating, "In Shanghai, you can hardly see anyone other than Koreans..." This highlights the growing trend of Korean travelers flocking to these destinations, further emphasizing the importance of the visa-free policy in boosting tourism in China.
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