Beijing: China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday a significant expansion of its visa-free transit policy, adding three new entry ports and extending visa-free access to more areas within Yunnan Province.
Three new ports added
The policy now covers 37 ports, with the addition of Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port, also in Yunnan.
Foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Britain, can now enter China through these ports visa-free for up to 144 hours, facilitating short-term travel and business visits.
More areas accessible in Yunnan
Previously, visa-free travelers to Yunnan were only allowed to stay in the provincial capital, Kunming. The new policy expands this zone to include nine city or prefecture-level areas, including Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna.
Boost for tourism
The expansion is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism in both Henan and Yunnan provinces. Henan is home to historical sites like the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes, while Yunnan boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites and diverse ethnic groups.
Increased inbound travel
The NIA reported earlier this month that China has seen a surge in inbound travel, with 14.64 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2024, a 152.7% increase year-on-year. Notably, visa-free entries accounted for over half of these visits, highlighting the policy's effectiveness.
China welcomes more visitors
The NIA's policy changes reflect China's commitment to opening up and attracting foreign visitors. Alongside the visa-free expansion, China has implemented relaxed visa application procedures, simplified border checks, and mobile payment options for foreign travelers. The NIA expects these efforts to continue driving up visitor numbers in the latter half of 2024.
China's growing popularity
As visiting China becomes easier, the country is gaining popularity as a tourist destination. Social media trends reflect this, with "China Travel" becoming a top search term on several global platforms. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, recently emphasized the country's welcoming stance and its commitment to fostering international exchange.