Beginning January 1, China intends to streamline the visa application process for tourists hailing from the United States, as per a notice released on Friday on the Chinese embassy's Washington website. This initiative marks China's ongoing efforts to revitalize tourism and stimulate its economy, which has been reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To facilitate travel, the Chinese embassy announced significant relaxations in the requirements for tourist visa applicants from the US. Notably, prospective travellers will no longer be mandated to furnish air ticket bookings, hotel reservations, or an invitation letter, according to the embassy's notification.
This recent move follows Beijing's previous steps to encourage tourism. It had recently granted visa exemption privileges to passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia starting December 1. Under this provision, individuals from these countries can visit China visa-free for a period of up to 15 days over 12 months.
Moreover, China extended its visa-free transit policy to encompass 54 nations back in November, aiming to foster smoother travel experiences for international transit passengers.
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted China's inbound tourism, primarily due to the country's stringent Covid-19 control measures. Although international flights to China have gradually increased following the relaxation of Beijing's Covid restrictions a year ago, they currently operate at approximately 60% of the levels witnessed in 2019. These concerted efforts to ease visa protocols aim to bolster the resurgence of tourism, which plays a pivotal role in the country's economic rejuvenation.
