Hungarian officials, businessmen and travelers have hailed China's visa-free policy for Hungary, saying that the new policy will facilitate cross-border travel and elevate the friendship between the two countries to a higher level.

Taking effect on Thursday, the visa-free policy announced by China earlier this month allows citizens of Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg to enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visit or transit for no more than 15 days.

The trial program is set to run through to November 30.