Visa-free option gets stamp of approval

The policy's impact is also felt on a personal level. Malte Poppensieker, a German national living in London with his Chinese wife and children, praised the change for making travel to China more convenient. Germany was among the first countries granted visa-free entry to China in December, 2023. For him, the change represents a step forward in simplifying international travel and moving away from restrictive reciprocal agreements.

"Visa processes are cumbersome and often a major obstacle," he said. "This new policy makes travel much easier, even without being part of a bilateral arrangement. I hope it becomes a permanent measure."

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Poppensieker traveled to China two or three times a year to visit his in-laws. In the past, he found the visa process frustrating — plagued with paperwork, long waits at application centers, and additional trips to collect passports.

With the visa-free policy in place, his recent experience was starkly different. Flying into Chengdu, he was initially concerned about procedural hiccups, given the policy's novelty and limited international flights to the city. However, the process was "super smooth", requiring only a simple arrival form before breezing through customs, he said.

For Poppensieker and his family, the visa-free policy has made visits to China more accessible and stress-free. It's a change he hopes will continue, allowing for more frequent and hassle-free trips in the future.

Simone Trazzi, chief operating officer and executive director of UFI Group Asia Pacific Region, echoed this sentiment. Recently awarded the 2024 Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award, Trazzi credited the visa-free policy for enabling his parents-in-law to travel from Italy to attend the ceremony.

"This policy is incredibly beneficial for individuals coming to China, particularly to cities like Shanghai," Trazzi said. "It's an important initiative to attract more international tourists, as well as businesspeople and professionals traveling from Europe to visit companies, factories, or explore new opportunities. I believe this policy plays a crucial role in re-attracting international companies and revitalizing international business here."

Reflecting on his own journey, Trazzi shared, "I came to Shanghai in 2008 as a young manager, relocating with my wife for a job opportunity. Over the years, I've grown professionally, taking on greater responsibilities, and eventually becoming CEO for Asia Pacific at UFI Group. During this time, I've witnessed Shanghai's remarkable transformation — advancing in sustainability, becoming a global hub for commerce, logistics, and finance, and establishing itself as a center for innovation."

Trazzi highlighted Shanghai's ability to attract talent and foster development. "We've set up both our R&D center and production site here because we believe this is the right place to be. Shanghai offers unparalleled opportunities, and our company continues to invest in this vibrant city."

Pi Wei contributed to this story.