China lifts visa restrictions for all foreign citizens
Visa to China
The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has announced that starting from March 15th, all categories of visas for foreign citizens entering China will once again be considered and issued.
According to Reuters, visa-free entry for certain regions in China, including Hainan Island and the southern production center of Guangdong Province, will resume. Foreigners who have visas issued before March 28th, 2020, which have not yet expired, will also be allowed to enter the country.
It is worth noting that China has been actively taking measures to ease COVID-19 restrictions and quarantine measures since December 2022. These are the first significant changes since the pandemic began.
In 2022, about 115 million cross-border trips were made to and from China, with approximately 4.5 million visits made by foreigners. This is a significant decline compared to 2019, when 670 million trips were made in China, including 97.7 million visits by foreigners.
The lifting of visa restrictions is expected to result in an increase in cross-border trips, which will ultimately have a positive impact on the Chinese economy. The tourism sector, which has been severely affected by the pandemic, is expected to benefit greatly from the resumption of visa issuance.
It is worth mentioning that in November 2022, China saw a wave of protests against coronavirus restrictions. This was the largest manifestation of public dissatisfaction since Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. The resumption of visa issuance may serve as a means to boost morale and ease tensions within the country.
In summary, the lifting of visa restrictions for all foreign citizens is a positive development for China's economy and the global tourism industry. The easing of restrictions is expected to stimulate economic growth and provide a boost to the country's overall development.
