On the 7th, the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that in order to further promote the exchange of Chinese and foreign personnel, China has decided to expand the scope of visa free countries and implement a visa free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries: Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. From March 14 to November 30, 2024, individuals holding ordinary passports from the aforementioned countries who come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days are eligible for visa free entry. Individuals from the aforementioned countries who do not meet the visa exemption requirements still need to apply for a visa to China before entering the country. (Lai Xin She)