China is once again welcoming a growing number of visitors following changes to its visa policies. According to data from the China Immigration Administration, 466,000 foreign visas were issued in the first quarter of 2024, while nearly 2 million foreign nationals entered China without visas.
These policy adjustments have encouraged foreign nationals to travel to China, as exemplified by the experience of a tourist from the Netherlands who plans to remain for the full 30-day duration of his visa.
In January, China introduced five new measures to further facilitate entry for foreign residents. These measures include relaxed conditions for port visa applications, border inspection exemptions for travelers in direct transit, and reduced formalities for visa extensions and renewals.
Experts have identified several trends in inbound tourism. Hong Kong and Macao are experiencing a recovery to pre-pandemic levels. There is also a noticeable increase in the number of tourists from countries along the Belt and Road, with visa exemptions for 12 countries contributing to the growth.
Additionally, the age group visiting China is becoming younger, and these visitors demonstrate an interest not only in traditional Chinese culture and natural resources but also in contemporary lifestyles.
China has pursued visa exemption agreements with numerous countries. To date, twelve countries have implemented unilateral visa exemptions for Chinese travelers. Twenty-three countries have implemented mutual visa exemptions, and more than 150 countries have implemented mutual visa exemptions for specific passport holders.
In mid-May, the Immigration Bureau extended visa exemptions and inspections to tourists arriving by cruise ship.
Despite the progress made, industry experts acknowledge challenges in boosting inbound tourism. These challenges include language barriers, limited tourist interpretation systems, and difficulties in making reservations for scenic spots and accessing the internet.
Experts emphasize the need to expand accessible cultural and tourism venues, particularly those offering advanced booking options, and to develop innovative travel itineraries to further enhance the inbound tourism experience.
