China's Enhanced Visa-Free Scheme Aims to Attract International Tourists Amid Slow Post-Pandemic Recovery
China expands visa-free scheme with Thailand, boosting tourism Citizens of both countries can now travel visa-free, aiming to revive the struggling economy after years of isolation Effective from March
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In March, China and Thailand reached an agreement to waive visa requirements for their citizens indefinitely. This is part of China's efforts to revive its tourism industry and economy after years of Covid-related isolation.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a reciprocal visa-free scheme on Tuesday, following Thailand's decision to waive visas for Chinese tourists until February. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that mutual visa exemptions between China and Thailand are in the fundamental interests of both peoples.
"The government departments handling the issue are in continual communication regarding the details. We anticipate the swift execution of the agreement," stated Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the ministry, during a routine press briefing on Tuesday.
China, the world's second-largest economy, is a global manufacturing leader. It is a vast nation with diverse geography, a rich history, and culture that makes it an extremely appealing destination for tourists. However, it is not the most straightforward country to visit.
Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai.
Raul Ariano/Bloomberg/Getty Images
China loosens its pandemic-era ban on citizens joining group tours abroad
Self-imposed periods of isolation, complex visa regulations, and internet restrictions prohibiting widely used online tools like Google Maps have long hindered seamless travel. Additionally, the growing dominance of Chinese e-payment apps, which are not user-friendly for foreigners, has also posed challenges. As the Covid-19 pandemic led to the closure of China's borders for three years, Beijing seems to be open to welcoming tourists once again.
China's agreement with Thailand is part of its efforts to increase foreign tourism amid economic challenges. This comes after China's previous offer of a visa-free scheme to visitors from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia for a trial period of 15 days.
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The policy, implemented in December, is scheduled to continue for 12 months until the end of November this year. According to the National Immigration Administration, 118,000 travelers from the six nations entered China without a visa under the new policy in December. However, the specific breakdown by country was not provided.
More than 77% of visitors were in China for sightseeing, leisure, or business activities, as reported by the administration. Visa-free entries made up 55% of the total visits from the six countries, showing an increase of almost 30% compared to November, according to the administration.
The true impact of the policy is yet to be determined, as tourists from distant countries, like those in Europe, usually plan their trips to China months in advance. Additionally, winters in much of China are extremely cold, so they are not considered prime tourist season. Additionally, China has also simplified the visa application process, making it easier for American tourists to visit.
Upon their arrival at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Chinese tourists were greeted with a welcoming ceremony to celebrate the launch of the Thai government's visa-free scheme. During the event, they were presented with souvenirs by Thai officials as a gesture of hospitality. This momentous occasion took place in SAMUT PRAKARN, THAILAND on September 25, 2023.
Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
Millions of Chinese tourists are going on holiday again. Many of them are headed for Thailand
Starting January 1, tourists from the United States are no longer required to provide proof of round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, itinerary, or an invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa, as confirmed by the Chinese Embassy in the United States. This move is part of China's initiative to attract more global travelers and stimulate its struggling economy amid various challenges.
As of August, all pre-entry Covid-19 test requirements for inbound passengers have been lifted, and business travelers now have the option to obtain visas upon arrival. In addition, visitors from certain countries are exempt from fingerprint collection.
Last summer, WeChat and Alipay, China's two largest payment apps, began allowing visitors to link their foreign credit cards. This allows them to book taxis, ride the subway, and make payments at restaurants, hotels, and shops across the predominantly cashless country.
The return of international travelers to China has been sluggish, with numbers remaining significantly lower than before the pandemic. In the first half of 2023, Chinese immigration authorities reported only 8.4 million entries and exits by foreign nationals, which is less than 30% of the number recorded during the same period in 2019, according to data from the National Immigration Administration.
Foreign entries and exits surged to 8 million in the third quarter of the year, a significant increase from previous months but still only half of the 2019 levels. Chinese travel agencies have experienced an even more dramatic decline in foreign tourists.
In the first half of 2023, Chinese travel agencies welcomed 477,800 foreign tourists, representing only 5.58% of the number during the same period in 2019. No data has been released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism since the second half of last year.
