China expands visa-free access to Japan, Bulgaria and other countries

China will expand its visa-free policy to nine more countries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday. The countries are Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan. The extended visa-free policy, effective from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, aims to boost international exchange, Lin said. 

It will also extend the visa-free stay period to 30 days from 15 days for citizens of all 38 countries within its visa-free program, state television CCTV reported. China has previously granted visa-free arrangements for South Korea and some European countries to boost tourism and trade amid a sluggish economy.