ECTAA Calls on EU to Simplify Visa and Entry Rules for Chinese Tourists

EU Urged to Ease Visa Rules for Chinese Travellers Amid Growing Industry Pressure

The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) is intensifying its call for the European Union to relax visa and entry regulations for Chinese travellers, emphasizing the need for smoother mobility between China and Europe despite a challenging political climate.

ECTAA President Frank Oostdam reiterated the organization’s stance, acknowledging that the current political atmosphere within the EU—marked by tightened entry controls in several member states—makes it difficult to advance such proposals. However, he insisted the association would continue to pressure the European Commission to lower entry thresholds for third-country nationals, particularly from China.

“We would love to see as many people as possible travelling the world, but I’m not that confident. We are very much in favour of free movement because if people get to know one another, we will have a better world,” said Oostdam, as quoted by Macau Business.

APAVT Joins the Call for Visa Reforms

Adding to the growing chorus of support, Pedro Costa Ferreira, President of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), also backed the appeal for more lenient EU visa policies toward Chinese travellers. He emphasized that restrictive visa procedures hinder mobility, and called for a reciprocal arrangement that mirrors China’s openness toward European nationals.

“We would very much like to see it happen – that is ECTAA’s view, and it is also APAVT’s position. Visas hinder mobility, and mobility benefits the world,” said Costa Ferreira.

China Advocates for Visa-Free Entry to the EU

The Chinese government has consistently advocated for visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Earlier this year, Zhao Bentang, the Chinese Ambassador to Portugal, confirmed that China has been in active dialogue with both Portuguese and EU officials to push this initiative forward.

Ambassador Bentang stated that easing visa restrictions would significantly benefit Chinese tourists, businesspeople, and traders, who currently face administrative barriers when entering Europe. He also underlined the mutual benefits of a visa-free agreement between China and the EU.

China’s Visa-Free Policy for EU Citizens

As it stands, China already allows visa-free entry for nationals of 28 EU and Schengen countries. This visa exemption permits EU travellers to stay in China for up to 30 days for purposes such as:

• Tourism
• Business
• Visiting family and friends
• Transit

This reciprocity, Chinese officials argue, should be reflected in the EU’s visa policy to ensure balanced international mobility.

Looking Ahead

While the EU has yet to issue an official response to these calls, both ECTAA and APAVT remain committed to advocating for greater visa liberalization, especially for China—a key market for European tourism. Industry leaders believe that easing travel restrictions will revive the tourism sector, foster economic cooperation, and enhance cultural exchange.

Whether the EU will take steps to revise its current visa policy remains to be seen, but the pressure from the travel sector and diplomatic channels continues to build.

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