China relaxes visa policy for US tourists

China will simplify visa applications for tourists from the United States, starting on January 1, 2024, by cutting down on the required paperwork, according to a notice posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Washington last Friday.

This is China's latest move to revive the tourism industry and boost the world's second-largest economy after a recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chinese destinations crowded with domestic tourists but lacking international ones

The embassy's announcement said that those applying for a tourist visa to the US will no longer need to prove they have a return flight ticket, hotel reservation or invitation letter as before.

The move follows a reduction in visa fees for US applicants by about 25% until December 31, 2024 announced in early December and an earlier decision to allow walk-in visa applications.

Beijing has also allowed passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia to visit the country without a visa from December 1, 2023. The visa exemption will last for 12 months, during which tourists from those six countries will be able to visit China for up to 15 days. China also expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries last November.

The number of international tourists to the country has dropped sharply during the pandemic due to China's strict Covid control policies.

International flights to China have increased since Beijing lifted Covid-related restrictions a year ago but are still only 60% of 2019 levels.

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