China relaxes visa rules further to boost tourism, business travel as economy falters
- New policies released by National Immigration Administration on Thursday include rules for entry visas, transit and extensions of stay
- Latest step is part of wider efforts by China to boost post-pandemic recovery in the world’s No 2 economy
The package was released by National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Thursday. It comes five months after Beijing relaxed a wide range of controls relating to the “free movement” of people, vehicles and data, in an effort to boost consumption and tourism amid an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment.
The new rules, which take effect immediately, will ease eligibility requirements for entry visas, waive border inspections for transit at certain airports, and streamline application procedures for entry visas, extensions of stay and multiple-entry permits.
“[The measures aim] to adapt to the current trend of efficient and speedy exchanges in international economic and trade activities,” NIA deputy commissioner Liu Haitao said.
In August, Beijing introduced on-arrival visas for business travellers. On Thursday, this was extended to foreign nationals needing to visit China urgently for family or other personal matters, though they still need to show supporting documents such as invitation letters.