China simplifies visa procedures to attract foreign tourists

By Hoang Vu September 23, 2023 | 03:07 pm PT

Travelers line up at check-in counters of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport as the Spring Festival travel season begins ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Shanghai, China, January 28, 2021. Photo by Reuters

The Chinese government said it has simplified its visa application forms for foreigners entering the country as it seeks to lure more international visitors post-reopening.

The new version of the forms, which are now available, will help shorten the time needed to fill in the forms, said China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular news briefing in Beijing, according to Bloomberg.

The applicant now only needs to submit their travel history for a year, instead of five years as previously required.

In terms of educational background, it only requires the applicant’s highest academic qualification.

Starting from March 15, China fully resumed the issuance of tourist visas, visa exemptions for certain countries, and the use of multiple-entry visas issued before the Covid pandemic.