In a move to boost tourism and trade, Cuba announced on May 4 that Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports can now enter the country visa-free. This new policy coincides with the resumption of direct flights between the two countries for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia announced the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals at the 42nd Cuban International Tourism Fair held at the seaside resort of Cayo Coco island, Ciego de Avila. China will also be the guest of honour for the tourism fair next year.
All about Cuba’s visa-free policy for Chinese nationals
Se exime del requisito de visado a los ciudadanos chinos titulares de pasaportes ordinarios que deseen ingresar, transitar, salir o permanecer en territorio cubano; facilidad que contribuirá al fomento de los intercambios entre los pueblos de ambos paÃses.@CubaMINREX https://t.co/E3MLzacQS5
— Juan Carlos GarcÃa Granda (@JuannCarlosGG) May 5, 2024
The country’s visa-free policy is expected to take effect in May 2024, with direct flights between Cuba and China resuming on May 17. The news has already sparked a surge in travel interest among Chinese citizens. Following the announcement, online searches for Cuban hotels and flights on Chinese travel platforms witnessed an increase of 40 percent as compared to the previous day.
Explore more with our guide to some of the most beautiful places in China.
Residents from Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Beijing led the online searches for information about Cuba. Previously, no direct flights connected Cuba and China. However, Air China is all set to resume its Beijing to Havana direct route with two weekly flights.
Cuba, the largest Caribbean island, is famed for its stunning beaches, scenic landscapes, unique cuisine, and of course, its iconic rum and cigars. The country is a haven for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and solitude seekers. The visa-free policy of the country is expected to give Cuba’s tourism industry a major boost.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Cuba include the city of Cayo Largo, the Vinales Valley National Park, Santiago de Cuba coastal city, and Parque Josone National Park in Varadero. Beyond these, visitors can enjoy Havana’s eclectic nightlife, Trinidad’s neo-baroque architecture, and Cienfuegos’s white-gold beaches.
(Feature image credit: dotmiller1986/Shutterstock)
Related:Â Visa-Free Travel Is A Boon For Tourists And Destinations Alike
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.