ISTANBUL

China announced on Friday an expansion of its visa-free entry program, doubling the stay period for citizens from 38 countries from 15 days to 30 days, effective Nov. 30.

Under the policy, nine more countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Japan, and Malta, will be added to the list of nations eligible for visa-free travel, officials said.

The program, set to run through Dec. 31 next year, aims to boost international tourism and trade.

Beijing also extended the visa-free stay period to 30 days, from 15 days when it announced the program early this year.

It put additional measures to simplify travel, including the cancellation of pre-appointment requirements for visa applications, expanded exemptions from fingerprint collection, and a 25% reduction in visa fees.

China recorded 8.19 million inbound trips by foreigners in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 48.8% year-on-year increase, according to official figures.