China enhances opening-up to foreign travelers

International passengers line up for security checks during the busy summer travel season at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China announced on Monday several steps to bolster its opening-up to foreign travelers and boost the tourism market.

China will extend its unilateral visa-free policies for countries including France, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular news conference.

The extension will make the policies for these countries, which are mostly due to expire by the end of this year, effective until Dec 31, 2026.

The decision was made in order to implement the guiding principles of the recently concluded fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, expand China's high-standard opening-up and continue to facilitate cross-border travel, Mao said.

In November 2023, China announced that it would expand its unilateral visa-free policies to cover more countries by allowing travelers from six countries, including France and Germany, to enter China visa-free.

Since then, the country has continued to add countries to its visa-free policy list, and kept improving the policies.

According to the National Immigration Administration, by Sept 15, China had adopted unilateral visa-free treatment for more than 40 countries.

In addition, Sweden became the latest country to be covered by the policies, as Mao announced China will give visa-free treatment to the European country from November 10 this year to Dec 31, 2026.

In another development, Beijing said it has decided to resume Chinese citizens' group tours to Canada operated by travel agencies.

Mao, the spokeswoman, said the Chinese side made the decision after taking into account various factors, including Chinese tourists' demand for overseas travel and the environment in Canada.

"We believe the step will further promote cross-border travel between China and Canada, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries," Mao said.

China stands ready to work together with Canada to further facilitate bilateral cross-border travel, and hopes that Canada will provide a safe and comfortable environment for Chinese tourists, she said.