In a move to revive its tourism industry, China has announced that it will temporarily waive visa requirements for citizens of six countries. The move is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the country.
Starting December 1, 2023, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. The visa exemption will apply to business travelers, tourists, and those visiting relatives or friends.
China’s efforts to reopen border post pandemic
The move is part of China’s broader efforts to reopen its borders and revive its economy, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. China’s tourism industry has been particularly hard hit, with international arrivals plummeting by over 90% in 2020.
The visa exemption is expected to boost tourism in China, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. The move is also expected to benefit businesses in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, and airlines.
China tourism
The visa exemption is a welcome development for the tourism industry in China, which has been struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is expected to boost tourism arrivals and economic activity in the country.
The visa exemption will apply to business travelers, tourists, and those visiting relatives or friends.