China lifts visa requirement for Greek travelers
Greek tourists and business travelers visiting China for short stays will no longer need a visa beginning October 15.
The exemption applies to citizens of Greece, Portugal, Cyprus and Slovenia and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, according to China’s state-run television network CGTN.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the policy during a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at the UN General Assembly in New York. “We support Greek tourism,” Wang said, emphasizing that Greece “doesn’t need advertising” as a tourist destination.
Wang also highlighted the long-standing ties between Greece and China, referring to their shared history as ancient civilizations. Gerapetritis expressed gratitude for Chinese investments, particularly in the port of Piraeus, and invited Wang to visit Greece officially. The two nations will collaborate on the UN Security Council, where Greece will serve as a non-permanent member in 2025-26.
Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to peaceful resolutions in Ukraine and the Middle East and expressed interest in further cooperation with Greece. In November, China will host the first global conference on Classical Studies, with Greece participating.
