BEIJING -- China has decided to apply the visa-free policy to nine more countries on a trial basis, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday at a daily press briefing.

In order to further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and other countries, China has decided to expand its visa-free arrangement to include more countries, said spokesperson Lin Jian.

He noted that from Nov 30, 2024, to Dec 31, 2025, visa exemption will be applied to ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan on a trial basis.

In addition, Lin said China has decided to further optimize its visa-free policy, including exchanges and visit purposes into the visa-free entry scope, and extend the period of visa-free stays allowed from the current 15 days to 30 days.

Starting from Nov 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the 38 countries within its visa-free arrangement, including the aforementioned newly added nine countries, can enter China without a need to apply for a visa for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and visits and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days, Lin added.