China has today officially resumed issuing all types of visas for all foreigners, regardless of their country of origin.
During a press conference held on March 14, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said that from March 15, China would resume issuing visas for all international travelers who wish to enter the country for different purposes, VisaGuide.World reports.
In addition, Wenbin stressed that all visas that have been issued before March 28, 2020, and are still valid would be reactivated, meaning that those holding a valid visa will not be required to apply for the document again. At the same time, it was noted that visa-free entry for arrivals from several countries would be resumed.
“To further facilitate exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, the Chinese government has decided that from March 15, visas that were issued before COVID and are still valid will be reactivated, the review and issuance of tourist visas and other types of visas will be resumed, and the visa-free entry for several places will be resumed,” the statement of Wenbin reads.
The decision of China to no longer keep strict visa rules in place was taken to help the country’s travel and tourism sector revive and further “facilitate the exchange of Chinese and foreign personnel,” according to the authorities.
Data provided by the UN World Tourism Organization show that China received around 65.7 million international visitors in 2019 when no Coronavirus entry restrictions were in place.
In contrast, as soon as the country started to register a high number of COVID infection cases and introduced measures, the figures dropped to an all-time low.
Now that China has decided to resume issuing visas and welcome all international travelers without requiring them to undergo strict rules, it is expected that this year’s figures will reach the pre-pandemic ones.
China is a popular destination among travelers. Nonetheless, most foreign citizens must obtain a China visa to be permitted entry into the country for different purposes.
China has different types of visas, and all foreigners must apply for a visa based on the purpose of their entry into the country.
Foreigners planning to enter China for tourism purposes must apply for an L Visa. Those applying for this type of visa must hold a valid passport. They must also submit the completed and signed application form, a passport photo, proof of residence, proof of roundtrip flight, proof o having secured accommodation in China, and documentation detailing the itinerary plans for the trip. Additional documents may be required too.
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