China takes drastic action to boost economy as Covid crisis continues to bite
Chinese authorities have cut visa fees for travellers
Getty
China has taken action to boost the economy post-Covid, as it seeks to boost tourism.
The country cut visa fees for travellers from a wide range countries.
According to Chinese embassy statements, the fees would be cut from December 11 this year to December 31, 2024
Countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines would face lower visa fees.
China is looking to boost its economy
Getty
China has recently undertaken a series of announcements to boost its economy.
This includes boosting inbound travel from foreign tourists and business people.
Last month, China announced to temporarily exempt citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia from needing visas.
It is one of the moved aiming to boost post-pandemic tourism.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Chinese authorities are looking to boost their post-covid tourist economy
Getty
A foreign ministry spokesperson had said citizens of those countries entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting for no more than 15 days, will not need a visa.
The motion lasts from December 1 to November 30 next year.
British nationals still need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao.
It comes as China has been taking steps in recent months to boost tourism. This includes restoring international flight routes looking to re-establish its image around the world.
In October, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries to include citizens of Norway.
In August, China scrapped all Covid test requirements for inbound travellers. It resumed 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei in July.
China’s aviation authority said in October that 16,680 weekly flights were expected from November through March.
They added international flights in and out of the country have been picking up.