International arrivals to China double in two months

Thanks to the relaxed visa policy, the number of international visitors to China in the first two months of the year doubled compared to the previous two months.

China recorded 2.95 million international arrivals in January and February, double the number in the previous two months and up 41.5% from the same period before the pandemic, Shi Zeyi, deputy director of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's International Cooperation and Exchange Office, said on March 29. The increase in visitors mainly came from France, Germany, Spain, Malaysia and Singapore - countries that are enjoying China's relaxed visa-free policies.

A German tourist takes a souvenir photo in front of the Temple of Heaven, a famous tourist destination in Beijing on March 20. Photo: Xinhua — A German tourist takes a souvenir photo in front of the Temple of Heaven, a famous tourist destination in Beijing on March 20. Photo: *Xinhua*

During the Lunar New Year, the number of visitors from Europe, Malaysia and Singapore also increased significantly. From February to April, the German cruise line will bring more than 10,000 tourists to Chinese ports. On March 10, the international cruise ship Zuiderdam brought more than 2,000 visitors from 47 countries to the northeastern port of Dalian. Shi said this was the first time a large cruise ship had visited northern China since 2019.

In order to promote tourism and economic recovery, China has continuously relaxed visa policies in recent months to encourage more tourists to visit. In November 2023, the government expanded the visa-free transit policy to Norway, bringing the total number of countries covered to 54. Citizens from these countries do not need to apply for a visa to enter China, as long as they have booked a ticket to a third country.

Transit passengers in Changsha, Guilin, and Harbin can stay for 72 hours for sightseeing. International travelers transiting in 20 other cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, can stay for up to 144 hours. During this time, foreign visitors are allowed to engage in tourism and business activities.

From December 2023, China will allow visitors from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia to enter the country without a visa for 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and transit. The visa exemption agreement between China and Singapore for up to 30 days will take effect from February 9, the eve of the Lunar New Year.

China will take more steps to make it easier for foreign tourists to travel, including making payment procedures at tourist attractions, performance venues and hotels easier, Shi said. China will also provide more tourism services and step up promotion in the international market.

Currently, China has general visa exemption agreements with 22 countries. More than 60 countries and regions exempt Chinese citizens from visas or issue visas on arrival.

Anh Minh (According to SCMP )

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