New Visa-Free Entry Policy

• Commencement of Policy: Starting December 1, China will implement a new policy. This allows a 15-day visa-free entry for people from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.
• Duration of the Trial: The policy is a trial, set to last for one year. China will assess its impact and effectiveness during this period.
• Target of the Policy: The main goal is to boost international exchanges and open up to the world. This policy aims to enhance collaboration and cultural exchange.

Impact of the Pandemic on Travel

• Stringent Measures During COVID-19: China had tough travel restrictions for three years due to the pandemic. This included mandatory quarantines for all visitors.
• Lifting of Restrictions: Earlier this year, China lifted these restrictions. However, international travel has not yet reached the levels seen before the pandemic.
• Previous Visa Arrangements: Before the pandemic, China had visa-free agreements with Brunei, Japan, and Singapore. These were paused but later resumed for Brunei and Singapore, not for Japan.

Economic and Tourism Considerations

• Travel Statistics Contrast: In the first half of this year, only 8.4 million foreigners entered or exited China. This is far less than the 977 million recorded in 2019, highlighting the pandemic’s impact.
• Focus on Economic Recovery: China is encouraging foreign investment. International business figures are attending trade fairs and meetings in China, indicating an economic recovery effort.
• Tourism Sector’s Slow Recovery: Despite eased travel restrictions, foreign tourists are still much fewer than before the pandemic. This shows that the tourism industry’s recovery in China is ongoing and gradual.