China is testing visa-free travel for nationals of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia for a year, according to the country’s foreign ministry.

Ordinary passport holders from these countries can do business or travel in China without a visa for up to 15 days from December to November 30, 2024.

This would “promote China’s high-quality development and opening up,” according to spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday.

Currently, most visitors to China require a visa.

Citizens of Singapore and Brunei are among the few exceptions, since they enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for no more than 15 days.

Only in March did China resume granting all sorts of visas. In the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak, Japan implemented tight travel restrictions in March 2020.

China experienced among of the world’s tightest Covid limits for three years, with travel restrictions, many lockdowns, and periodic testing requirements.

Its zero-Covid policy, which had a significant impact on the economy, was only lifted last December.

Prior to the epidemic, China received tens of millions of overseas tourists each year.