In a significant shift in travel policies, China has officially lifted visa requirements for Norwegian citizens entering the country for short stays. This new measure allows Norwegian travelers to visit China without the need for a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 15 days. The move marks a key development in the relationship between the two nations, reflecting China’s broader efforts to enhance its international relationships and promote tourism and business exchanges with key European countries.
The announcement was made during a high-profile meeting between China’s President Xi Jinping and Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre. During the discussions, President Xi emphasized that Norwegian passport holders would now enjoy visa-free entry for short-term visits. This development is expected to boost travel and economic ties between the two countries, with Norwegian travelers now having easier access to China for various purposes.
Under the new visa-free policy, Norwegians will be able to visit China for a range of activities, including tourism, business, visiting family and friends, and transit, as long as the duration of their stay remains within the 15-day limit. This is likely to open up more opportunities for Norwegian citizens to explore China’s rich cultural heritage, develop business ventures, and strengthen personal connections without the bureaucratic hassle of visa applications. However, for Norwegian citizens wishing to extend their stay in China beyond the 15-day period, the standard visa procedures will still apply. Long-term stays will require the appropriate visa based on the purpose of the visit, whether it be for work, study, or other extended activities. The introduction of visa-free access, therefore, mainly benefits short-term travelers while maintaining controlled entry for longer stays.
The Prime Minister of Norway warmly welcomed China’s decision to ease entry restrictions for its citizens. Prime Minister Støre expressed optimism that this change will foster closer ties between the two nations, encourage more Norwegians to visit China, and facilitate smoother business engagements. He highlighted that easier travel access will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations on multiple levels, from tourism to trade.
This policy change aligns with China’s recent trend of dropping visa requirements for select European Union countries. Norway joins a growing list of nations whose citizens can now enter China without needing a visa for short stays, reflecting China’s strategic approach to international diplomacy and its desire to attract more visitors from Europe.
China has recently waived the visa requirement for several European Union countries, allowing their citizens to enter the country for short stays without a visa. This includes France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Ireland. Despite this, Chinese nationals are still required to obtain a visa before traveling to the Schengen Area. This discrepancy has raised questions about whether Norway, as part of the Schengen zone, would implement a similar policy in response to China’s move.
Addressing this issue, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre clarified that decisions regarding visa policies within the Schengen Area are made by EU governing bodies, not individual member states. He emphasized that Norway, while part of the Schengen zone, does not have the authority to independently lift visa requirements for Chinese citizens, as these matters fall under EU jurisdiction.
While the Chinese government has not specified how long the visa-free policy for Norwegians will remain in effect, authorities have confirmed that citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Ireland can benefit from this visa-free entry until at least December 31, 2025.
