Norwegian Citizens Can Now Enter China Without a Visa for Short Visits
Key Highlights
1. Norwegian citizens can now travel to China without a visa for stays of up to 15 days.
2. Those planning to stay longer than 15 days will still need to obtain a visa.
3. China currently allows visa-free entry for citizens of 11 other EU countries.
Norwegian citizens are now able to visit China for short trips without the need for a visa, thanks to an agreement reached between the Norwegian and Chinese governments.
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the news during a meeting in Beijing, stating that Norwegians can enter China for up to 15 days visa-free for purposes including tourism, business, family visits, and transit.
However, Norwegians intending to stay in China for more than 15 days will still need to go through the usual visa process.
The decision to waive visa requirements for Norwegian passport holders was warmly welcomed by Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre. He remarked that this move will significantly ease travel for tourists, business professionals, and diplomats, fostering greater cooperation between the two nations.
Prime Minister Støre emphasized how this change will simplify travel for Norwegian businesses, students, and others visiting China. However, he did not comment on whether the European Union will implement a similar measure in response. While China has lifted visa requirements for Norwegians and some other EU citizens, Chinese nationals still need to obtain a Schengen visa to visit the Schengen Area.
Visa agreements with third countries are collectively decided by EU member states and governing bodies, and as such, Norway cannot offer reciprocal visa-free travel to Chinese citizens, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice.
Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of 11 EU Nations
In an effort to attract more European visitors, China has expanded visa-free entry to citizens of 11 additional EU countries.
Besides Norway, the countries that have benefited from visa exemption include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland.
Passport holders from these nations can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 15 days.
China’s authorities have clarified that this visa exemption policy is temporary, set to remain in place until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension. They have not indicated whether further EU countries will be granted similar visa-free entry.