[Policy Spotlight] 16 recently announced visa-free countries

Credit: Imaginechina

In a continued effort to open its doors wider to the world, China has unveiled a series of progressive policies within the past few months, all designed to streamline the process for expatriates wishing to work within its vibrant borders or simply to soak in its rich cultural tapestry. In the latest development, Georgia joins a growing ensemble of nations enjoying visa-free travel agreements with China. Looks like we are on a progressive march forward in fostering more global connections, likely of which, will result in more expat friends joining us here in Shanghai. Welcome to the party Georgia!

Now there are 16 countries with visa-free agreements:

These 13 countries now have 15-day visa free travel:

1. Austria (announced April 5, 2024)
2. Belgium (announced April 5, 2024)
3. France (announced December 29, 2023)
4. Germany (announced December 29, 2023)
5. Hungary (announced April 5, 2024)
6. Ireland (announced April 5, 2024)
7. Italy (announced December 29, 2023)
8. Luxembourg (announced April 5, 2024)
9. The Netherlands (announced December 29, 2023)
10. Spain (announced December 29, 2023)
11. Switzerland (announced April 5, 2024)
12. Malaysia (announced December 29, 2023)
13. Brunei (announced July 26, 2023)

These three countries are enjoying 30-day visa free travel:

1. Georgia (announced April 11, 2024)
2. Singapore (announced January 25, 2024)
3. Thailand (announced January 28, 2024)

Important: Visa-free entry allows for a single stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry, with a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.

It's encouraging to see, that despite the challenges that COVID brought, there are many efforts underway to promote growth. We'll be anxiously on the look out to see what impacts policies like these have on the inflows of traffic into this great city.