China might soon decide to add another European Union nation, Belgium, to the list of countries whose citizens do not need a visa to enter China for short-term stays.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Hadja Lahbib, who had high-level talks with the Chinese authorities during a diplomatic mission to the country last week, China might drop the visa requirement for citizens of Belgium.
The lifting of the visa requirement for Belgian citizens would mean that they will be permitted entry to China for short periods of time without having to undergo the visa process, VisaGuide.World reports.
While the Chinese authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter, it is expected that the country will significantly ease some of its visa and travel rules for travelers of certain foreign countries in order to promote travel and tourism to the country.
In addition to visa-related talks, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs revealed that she and Wang Yi also discussed trade between the two countries and also focused on the current geopolitical climate.
Good to sit down with my Chinese colleague, Wang Yi, to reset Belgian-Chinese relations. We discussed trade and focused on the current geopolitical climate. We count on China, a Permanent member of the UN Security Council, to foster security and stability.
Apart from the above-mentioned, it was previously reported that China might also drop the visa requirements for citizens of Ireland as well as for citizens of Switzerland.
In an attempt to help its travel and tourism sector, which has been strongly affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, China has introduced several visa-related facilitations in recent months.
Since there is no longer any serious risk due to COVID-19, China wants to attract as many foreign visitors to the country as possible.
At the beginning of December 2023, China decided to permit visa-free entry to citizens of Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Malaysia. This decision came as part of the country’s move to become a more appealing destination. However, visa-free travel for passport holders of these countries will only apply until November 30, 2024.
Apart from lifting the visa requirements for citizens of these countries, China has also facilitated its visa rules for US citizens.
In line with the new rules, Americans applying for a Chinese tourist visa are no longer required to submit proof of having secured a place to stay in China. Moreover, US citizens applying for a Chinese visa are also exempt from the requirement to submit roundtrip proof or an invitation letter.