Chinese Government Lifts Short-Term Visa Requirements for Polish Citizens

On June 24, 2024, the Chinese government announced the decision to lift short-term visa requirements for Polish citizens. This announcement followed a meeting between President Andrzej Duda and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. The visa-free entry for Poles, allowing for a stay of up to 15 days, will be effective from July 1, 2024, until the end of 2025. The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, confirmed this during a press briefing on June 25, 2024.

This decision covers Polish citizens holding ordinary passports, enabling them to travel to China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit without the need for a visa. The program aims to boost tourism post-pandemic and strengthen international ties.

The visa-free regime for Poland is part of a broader Chinese government policy aimed at facilitating travel between China and other countries. Earlier, China had introduced visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Subsequently, the policy was extended to include Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Hungary. In June 2024, Australia and New Zealand were also added to the list of countries with visa-free access.

The Chinese government has decided to extend the trial period of this policy until December 31, 2025, indicating a positive reception and effectiveness of the program. It is also noteworthy that in December of the previous year, China temporarily reduced visa fees for Polish travelers by 25%, further facilitating travel to the country.

Poland is now among 15 countries included in the visa-free program, placing it in a group of nations that can expect special travel facilitation to China. This decision will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the number of Polish visitors to China and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

You can book direct flights to China with LOT Polish Airlines.