Flying free: How China's visa-free entry is impacting Europeans

A few months ago, China decided to allow 15 days of visa-free entry for citizens of Malaysia plus seven European countries – France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. In March, that list was extended to include Austria, Belgium, Hungary and Luxembourg.

In its Flying Free series, CGTN Europe explores the impact of the changes.

The high school exchange program 'Youth For Understanding' (YFU) says in 2022 it had to turn down several Austrian high school students who wanted to go to China because of Covid-related visa rejections. The organization is hoping that the relaxation of visa restrictions will be extended for longer trips.

"The countries where you do not need a visa are more attractive," YFU's Judith Haidacher told CGTN. "Visas are always a big issue. Now we are hoping for an easier process with the visa to send a lot of students to China."

At Vienna University many students would like to study abroad and experience Chinese faculty life for a semester. "Then you can really see what society there is really like and be a part of it and learn all of it basically, more than you would as a tourist," explained Viennese university student Hannah Leindl.

Study visas became available again after Covid travel restrictions were lifted. 

Before the pandemic struck, the process had been relatively smooth, according to Tamara Rossmann who spent a year in Shanghai. The sinology student said her pre-pandemic visa application in 2018 was fast and easy. 

"I had to wait about one month and then I got my visa. It was very easy, yes, but that was before corona," she explained.

Unless student visa rules are loosened, people hoping to study in China will continue having to wade through application forms. But Tamara says the experience abroad is definitely worth it.

Watch the video above to see CGTN's Johannes Pleschberger speak to the Austrian students.

Italian companies with business ties to China say the Chinese government's trial of visa-free travel will help boost exports.‌

China is already one of Italy's top-10 export markets: Before the pandemic 50,000 bottles were sent there each year. But the easing of paperwork will help to grease the wheels of global business. 

The Mazzei family has been in the winemaking trade in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region since 1435, becoming a brand synonymous with Made in Italy excellence.‌ Giovanni Mazzei, a ‌25th-generation winemaker, says that while China can be a difficult market to penetrate, it has enormous potential.‌

"We invest a lot in the market," he tells CGTN. "I used to live in Asia, in Hong Kong, and I started developing China myself. So, I think the fact that we're spending more time there really helps us to understand Chinese culture."

Watch the video above to see CGTN's Hermione Kitson meet the Mazzei family. 

Hungarians embrace increased opportunities

For Hungarians like David Panajoth, China's new visa-free entry program as a gateway to personal and professional opportunities.‌ Panajoth found success in China's entertainment industry, starring in movies and China’s version of The Bachelor. 

"I got so much from China, from the Chinese people, all the opportunities," he tells CGTN. "Chinese people love to give opportunities to foreign people."‌

After finding success on screen, Panajoth teamed up with local partners to open a modeling agency. He operates the business from Hungary but is excited about returning to China, thanks to the new China-visa free travel program.‌

Travel expert Viktor Vereb notes the 13 weekly flights from Budapest to China: "We are connected to four destinations in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Ningbo. Beijing and Shanghai were there before the pandemic.”‌

This enhanced connectivity opens new avenues for cultural exchange, business opportunities, and mutual understanding.‌

Watch the video above for more from CGTN's Pablo Guttierez.

The Chinese State Council has approved guidelines on payment services for foreign visitors as part of the visa-free scheme. 

Recently, the people's Bank of China, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and other the departments have asked national and provincial tourist resorts to ensure foreign bank cards are accepted.

Alongside that major tourist attractions are being asked to ensure staffed-ticket desks are available that support cash payments.

Zhou Yang from the Temple of Heaven tourist destination told CGTN all ticket offices will accept foreign banks cards and an english version of the WeChat payment app has been launched so visitors can buy tickets online.

"We have seen a huge increase in the number of foreign visitors this year. From January to March, near 90,000 foreign visitors have come to the Temple of Heaven. That is a year-on-year increase of over 1,000 percent," Zhou said.

Watch the video above for more from CGTN's You Yang.

We'll be adding stories to this series regularly. Please check back later for more.

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