China is opening its doors wider to international travelers, reaffirming its commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and convenient travel environment. During a recent news briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted a series of new measures aimed at facilitating visits from foreigners.
Among the initiatives are streamlined visa application processes, including shorter forms and exemptions from fingerprinting for certain applicants. Additionally, China has extended a unilateral visa-free policy on a trial basis to countries like France and Germany, making travel planning easier for tourists from these nations.
Addressing common challenges faced by visitors, the People’s Bank of China has directed payment institutions to enhance the usability of international bank cards. This includes simplifying identity verification procedures and increasing the limits on single mobile payment transactions, thereby reducing mobile payment difficulties for foreigners.
To further support travelers, major carriers such as China Telecom and China Mobile have established service outlets at airports in major cities. These outlets assist foreigners in obtaining mobile phone numbers quickly upon arrival, ensuring they stay connected seamlessly during their stay.
These efforts have already shown positive results, with the number of inbound tourists reaching 3.23 million during the Chinese Lunar New Year. China's ongoing initiatives reflect its dedication to making the country a more accessible and welcoming destination for visitors from around the globe.
Reference(s):
FM spokesperson: China continues facilitating inbound tourism
cgtn.com
