Former Croatian Deputy Speaker: China’s Visa-Free Policy to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Vidovic also believes that the new visa-free policy will encourage more Croatians to visit China, leading to further enhancement of economic, cultural, and political ties between the two nations, according to Schengen.News. Having visited China multiple times, Vidovic told Global Link that he sees this policy as a significant step toward deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Several EU Nations to Benefit from Visa-Free Travel to China
Starting November 30, 2024, Croatian nationals will be eligible for visa-free entry to China, with this arrangement valid until December 31, 2025. Last month, Chinese authorities also announced that citizens of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Malta, and Romania would be granted the same visa-free access for short stays beginning on the same date.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Lin Jian, confirmed that the visa-free entry policy would be on a trial basis, remaining effective until the end of 2025. They also noted that if the policy results in increased visits from nationals of EU countries, it could be extended further.
China to Extend Visa-Free Stay for Nationals from Exempt Countries
To encourage more international visitors, China has decided to extend the visa-free stay period for nationals from countries included in the visa exemption policy. From November 30, 2024, citizens from these nations will be allowed to stay in China for up to 30 days, doubling the previous limit of 15 days.
In addition to the aforementioned countries, on November 8, 2024, China also removed visa requirements for nationals of Finland, Denmark, Norway, Slovakia, Iceland, and Liechtenstein for short-term stays.
