ECTAA Urges EU to Ease Visa Restrictions for Chinese Travellers to Boost Tourism

The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) has renewed its call for the European Union to ease visa and entry requirements for Chinese nationals, aiming to revive and strengthen post-pandemic tourism across Europe.

Frank Oostdam, President of ECTAA, emphasized that despite rising political barriers and tighter entry rules by some member states, the association remains committed to advocating for smoother travel access.

"We are very much in favour of free movement. If people get to know one another, we will have a better world," Oostdam said.

APAVT Backs Visa-Free Access for Chinese Tourists

Supporting ECTAA’s stance, Pedro Costa Ferreira, President of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), also called for a simplified visa process or visa-free travel for Chinese visitors.

"Visas hinder mobility, and mobility benefits the world," Ferreira stated, suggesting that loosening visa rules would benefit both EU economies and international relations.

China Actively Pursuing Visa-Free Entry to the EU

China has repeatedly expressed interest in securing visa-free access for its nationals. In March, Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Zhao Bentang confirmed that discussions were ongoing with both Portuguese and EU authorities. He stressed that visa-free travel would significantly benefit Chinese tourists and businesspeople, who currently face mobility restrictions.

China already offers visa-free entry to nationals of 28 EU/Schengen countries for up to 30 days, covering tourism, business, family visits, and transit purposes.

It remains to be seen whether the EU will respond positively to ECTAA and APAVT’s proposals and initiate steps toward easing visa requirements for Chinese travellers.