China lowers visa costs for several countries

From December 11, 2023 to December 31, 2024, China has reduced visa fees for visitors from various countries such as Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam and the Philippines by 25 percent. This decision was taken by the authorities to boost the country's economy and increase the influx of foreign tourists and entrepreneurs. According to local media, this is the latest in a series of measures China has taken recently to encourage foreign tourists and businessmen to visit the country in light of the slow recovery of the world's second largest economy. Recently, China announced its intention to grant visa-free access for ordinary passports to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and Malaysia. The initiative was launched on December 1, 2023 and will run until November 30, 2024. Under the one-year trial program, citizens of the above countries will have the privilege to enter China visa-free for up to 15 days, allowing business, tourism, family visits and transit.

In recent months, China has taken a series of measures to revitalize its tourism sector, including the reintroduction of international flight connections. Such a strategic move is a sign of China's increased engagement with the world.

In October this year, China extended its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries and also extended the privilege to Norwegian nationals. In August, the Chinese authorities decided to lift the ban on travel to more than 70 countries, leading to a sharp increase in travelers and airlines across Asia. The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism also announced the resumption of group tours to various destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Africa and North America. Major destinations in the Asia-Pacific region include Japan, Australia and South Korea. Various regions such as Qatar are also included in the list.