Wednesday, December 6, 2023
China’s recent announcement of a visa-free travel policy has already shown positive outcomes, according to the country’s foreign ministry.
The policy, which came into effect on December 1, covers several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, as well as Malaysia.
During a press briefing, spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that the visa-free travel policy has indeed made things easier for travelers, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to continue adjusting visa policies to further enhance cross-border travel conditions.
Wang Wenbin emphasized that the ministry is committed to creating more favorable conditions for international tourists and expressed the government’s intention to facilitate cross-border travel continually. The move is seen as a part of China’s efforts to boost tourism and promote people-to-people exchanges.
According to immigration data cited by the ministry, in the first three days of December, approximately 7,000 out of nearly 18,000 travelers from the covered countries entered China. This suggests a significant initial response to the visa waiver policy. Moreover, Wang Wenbin highlighted a 39% increase in daily average tourist numbers from the covered European countries and Malaysia during the first three days of December compared to the last day of November.
The positive impact on tourism has not gone unnoticed by international diplomats. Germany’s ambassador to China has expressed optimism and hope that China will consider extending similar measures to cover all European Union members. This sentiment reflects a desire for broader accessibility for European tourists to visit China without the hindrance of visa requirements.
If China were to extend visa-free travel measures to all EU members, it could further stimulate tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties between China and the European Union. This aligns with the broader trend of countries seeking to enhance their global appeal by simplifying entry procedures for international visitors.
In a significant move aimed at fostering international ties and promoting high-quality development, China has initiated a one-year trial for visa-free travel for citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Running from December 2023 to November 2024, this groundbreaking initiative allows ordinary passport holders from these nations to conduct business or travel in China without the need for a visa, with a maximum stay of 15 days.
Tags: china, visa-free policy
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