Slovenians welcome visa-free travel to China

From October 15, China will extend its visa-free policy for citizens of Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia. Citizens from those countries are now eligible for a visa exemption policy when traveling to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives, or transit for up to 15 days. 

For many in Slovenia, this move was a long-awaited policy change. They are considering it a significant leap forward in making travel easier and fostering connections between the two countries. Igor Podgoršek, a tour guide from one of Slovenia's most important tour operators, said that thanks to this measure they plan 14 tours from Slovenia to China in 2025.

"For almost 30 years, we have been talking about how we could reduce the burden of administration and bureaucracy in securing visas, and this is certainly a long way forward!" Podgoršek told CGTN. "People were discouraged by the idea that they had to make arrangements two or three weeks in advance."

It hasn't deterred everyone. Sanela Kšela is an entrepreneur in Ljubljana who's traveled over a dozen times to China – and she's now preparing for her next China adventure to be easier.

"First time when I went to China in 2013, I just fell in love with it and also with the Chinese language, and it was just something that I recognized is going to be my path in my life," Kšela told CGTN. "I think that if we had a direct flight from Ljubljana to China, it would benefit and make my life easier and traveling to China easier."

In addition to tourism, the business community in Slovenia is optimistic about the implications of this new agreement. Slovenia's economy is export-oriented, and this move should be a shot-in-the-arm boost for mutual trade, said Marjana Majerič, Executive Manager of Slovenia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"Visa-free travel could improve the competitiveness by allowing Slovenian companies faster response to the market demand," said Majerič. "And, of course, quicker site visits and better engagement with potential Chinese partners." 

Many new opportunities will now be opening after the agreement came into effect on October 15.

But it will be tourism that should benefit the most.

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