Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Last year, the number of foreigners entering China through unilateral visa-free policies increased by 1200%

This year’s Chinese government work report mentioned the expansion of the list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry in 2024, as inbound tourism continues to grow. In response to this, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on the afternoon of the 13th that last year, the number of foreigners coming to China under unilateral visa-free entry increased by 1200%. China will introduce more measures to make coming to China easier and the experience within the country more comfortable.

tourists visiting Tiananmen Square

Mao Ning explained that China has unilaterally granted visa-free entry to 38 countries and extended the visa-free transit period to 240 hours for 54 countries. Last year, over 20 million foreigners entered China visa-free, a year-on-year increase of 112%, with more than 3.39 million people coming under the unilateral visa-free policy, a year-on-year increase of 1200%.

“Many foreign friends said that before coming to China, the country seemed like a mystery, but after arriving, they became captivated by it.”

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Mao Ning added that China will continue to introduce more measures to make coming to China easier and staying in the country more comfortable. For example, all Chinese embassies and consulates have completely canceled visa appointment requirements, allowing walk-in visa applications, and many places are piloting “buy-and-refund” departure tax refund services. China is also promoting a payment system that links foreign cards to domestic accounts.

“With the arrival of spring, we welcome everyone to come and experience the real, open, and beautiful China,” Mao Ning said.

According to reports, this year’s Chinese government work report mentioned the expansion of the list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry in 2024, the extension of the visa-free transit period to 240 hours, and the continued rise of inbound tourism. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also pointed out at the foreign affairs-themed press conference during this year’s Two Sessions that China’s visa-free “circle of friends” is expected to expand further, and that “checking in” to China will continue to be a new international trend.

Source: China Youth Daily

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