Skift Take

While China’s visa exemptions simplify travel, they alone cannot bring back 2019’s robust visitor numbers. Without a full recovery of flight capacity, particularly in top markets, the tourism boost China is hoping for may remain out of reach.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Norwegian citizens will no longer need a visa to enter China for visits up to 15 days. The policy shift sees China place Norway in a select group of nations as part of a wider relaxation of visa rules for inbound visitors.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, currently visiting China, emphasized the benefits of this policy. "This will make travelling to China much easier for Norwegian business representatives, students, and others. It also lays the foundation for more cooperation," Store said during a press briefing following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Norway is currently the only Scandinavian country on China’s visa-free list. It joins a growing list of nations, including European countries like Ireland, Germany, and Spain whose citizens are able to take advantage of the waiver.

Norway and China Relations

With Ch