China, Solomon Islands agree to mutual visa-free arrangement

We are not an agent or recruiter, but a headhunter !

Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands Cai Weiming and the Foreign Minister of the Solomon Islands Peter Shanel Agovaka, represented both governments to sign the agreement to to waive visa requirements for each other's citizens. Photo: Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands

China and the Solomon Islands have signed an agreement to waive visa requirements for each other's citizens, according to the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands on Thursday.

Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands Cai Weiming and the Foreign Minister of the Solomon Islands Peter Shanel Agovaka, represented both governments to sign the agreement, with Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele attending the signing ceremony, the embassy said in a statement.

Cai said that this agreement ushers China and Solomon Islands into the era of full visa-free access, which will significantly facilitate the public to visit each other's countries, contributing to the cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Manele expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its positive responses to the Solomon Island's requests, emphasizing that the agreement represents a milestone in the relationship between the two countries.

The Solomon Islands boasts favorable tourism resources, including aquaculture, making it highly attractive to Chinese tourists, Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Center of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Also, with recent years seeing island trips become increasingly popular among Chinese tourists, the two countries waiving each other's visas provides the Solomon Islands with an effective boost to its economy, Chen said.

Additionally, visa exemptions between the two countries further facilitate the exchange of people engaged in both import and export trade, which in turn will enable Chinese consumers to access the Solomon Island's high-quality products and services, said Chen. At the same time, it will also provide the South Pacific country with access to resources from China, Chen added.

Cai, the ambassador, said that China upholds the concept of a global community of shared future and is willing to work with the Solomon Islands to support each other and achieve mutual success, so as to jointly realize modernization. Manele said that the Solomon Islands will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and join hands with China to build a global community of shared future.

China's expanding visa-free circle: What's new and who's in?Travelers from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea can now visit China without a visa. Starting November 8, visitors from these countries can explore the country for 15 days without a visa. This policy, which lasts until the end of 2025, expands China's "visa-free circle" to nearly 30 countries.

Data shows a near-doubling in foreign visitors in the first three quarters of 2024 via visa-free policy compared to same period last year. With countries like Finland and South Korea on the list, the move is expected to draw younger tourists too.

Since early 2023, China has restored transit visas and made entry easier for tourists and business visitors alike.

It is not just boosting tourism; it's driving economic growth. In 2023 alone, foreign visitors spent an average of 3,459 yuan (US$487) per day, contributing over 100 billion yuan to local businesses.

So, whether you're looking for ancient history, cutting-edge technology, or enormous dumplings, China is ready to make your vacation memorable. For enterprises, this legislation promises increased networking, trade prospects, and simpler access to China's digital payment services.

Simply hop on a flight and see for yourself!

Visa-Free Policies Overview
1. 15-Day Visa-Free Entry for Ordinary Passport Holders (Nov 8, 2024 - Dec 31, 2025)
Citizens from these countries can enjoy 15-day visa-free entry for business, tourism, family visits or transit: Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea

Also included (from Oct 15, 2024 - Dec 31, 2025): Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia

2. Full Mutual Visa Exemption

China has mutual visa-free agreements with: UAE, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Maldives, Thailand, Singapore, Armenia, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino

3. 72/144-Hour Transit Visa-Free for 54 Countries

Applies for travelers in transit:

Europe (40 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark*, Estonia, Finland*, France, Germany, Greece *, Hungary, Iceland*, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal* , Slovakia* , Slovenia* , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco* , Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus* , Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia* , Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina* , Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania* , Belarus* , Norway*

Americas (6 countries): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand

Asia (6 countries): South Korea* , Japan, Singapore* , Brunei, UAE*, Qatar*

*Countries with dual eligibility under both ordinary visa-free and transit policies.

Source: Reuters; SHINE; Global Times,https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1322639.shtml;