#malaysia entry visa

[evisaapply]

Demystifying Malaysia Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

In today's interconnected world, travel is a gateway to experiencing diverse cultures and forging unforgettable memories. For Indian citizens, Malaysia stands as an enticing destination that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. Before you embark on your journey to this enchanting Southeast Asian nation, it's imperative to understand the Malaysia visa requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Understanding Visa Categories in Malaysia

Malaysia offers various visa categories tailored to different travel purposes. Each category has specific eligibility criteria, and it's essential to choose the one that aligns with your travel intentions. Here are some of the most common visa types for Indian citizens:

1. Tourist Visa (Social Visit Visa)

If you're planning a leisure trip to Malaysia, the Tourist Visa, also known as the Social Visit Visa, is your go-to option. This visa allows you to explore the stunning landscapes, cultural treasures, and culinary delights of Malaysia for up to 30 days. You can extend your stay for another 30 days, making it a total of 60 days.

2. Business Visa

For Indian entrepreneurs and business professionals seeking to engage in commercial activities or attend meetings and conferences in Malaysia, the Business Visa is the appropriate choice. This visa permits you to stay for 30 days, with the possibility of extensions.

3. Employment Visa

If you're planning to work in Malaysia, you'll need an Employment Visa. It's essential to secure a job offer from a Malaysian employer before applying for this visa. Employment Visas are typically issued for a duration that coincides with your employment contract.

4. Student Visa

Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in Malaysia must obtain a Student Visa. You'll need an acceptance letter from a recognized Malaysian educational institution to apply for this visa. Student Visas are typically granted for the duration of the course.

Malaysia Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

To ensure a successful visa application, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Malaysia.

2. Visa Application Form

Complete the visa application form, which is available on the official website of the High Commission of Malaysia in India.

3. Passport-sized Photographs

Attach recent passport-sized photographs with a white background to your visa application.

4. Proof of Financial Means

You need to demonstrate your financial capability to cover your stay in Malaysia. This can be done by providing bank statements or an affidavit of financial support.

5. Travel Itinerary

Include a detailed travel itinerary, including flight bookings and accommodation reservations.

6. Letter of Invitation

If you are visiting family or friends in Malaysia, you'll need a letter of invitation from your host.

7. Visa Fee

Pay the requisite visa fee as specified by the High Commission.

The Application Process

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and completed the visa application form, submit them to the High Commission of Malaysia or the Malaysian Visa Application Center (VAC) in your city. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date to allow for processing time.

Transitioning Seamlessly to Your Malaysian Adventure

In conclusion, Malaysia beckons Indian citizens with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and thriving business opportunities. By adhering to the Malaysia visa requirements outlined above, you can ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey to this captivating nation. Remember to plan ahead, gather the required documents, and submit your visa application with precision. Your Malaysian adventure awaits!

Apply Now: CLICK HERE

[visaablog]

Explore Malaysia with a Multiple Entry Visa!

The Malaysia Multiple Entry Visa is perfect for frequent travelers. Enjoy: Seamless travel for business or leisure. Validity of up to 12 months. Easy re-entry without reapplying.

Experience the convenience and beauty of Malaysia hassle-free!

[passortservices]

Malaysia eNTRI Visa :- Apply for Malaysia eNTRI visa with Musafir and receive your visa in just 4 hours. Read to know the Malaysia E visa online application documents requirement & more.

[visa-services]

Malaysia eNTRI Visa:- Apply for Malaysia eNTRI visa with Musafir and receive your visa in just 4 hours. Read to know the Malaysia E visa online application documents requirement & more.

[educationaslloan]

Malaysia eNTRI Visa:- Apply for Malaysia eNTRI visa with Musafir and receive your visa in just 4 hours. Read to know the Malaysia E visa online application documents requirement & more.

[singapore-tourist-visa]

Malaysia eNTRI Visa:- Apply for Malaysia eNTRI visa with Musafir and receive your visa in just 4 hours. Read to know the Malaysia E visa online application documents requirement & more.

[handweavers]

tourism entry agreements for many countries are completely unbalanced and unfair. did you know that people with a canadian passport can go to malaysia without applying for a visa / obtain an automatic tourism visa upon arrival, but if you have a malaysian passport you have to apply in advance for a tourism visa to go to canada? sometimes months in advance? any canadian can just show up to malaysia unannounced and they'll be let in, but my malaysian family has to beg the canadian gov for permission in advance (and get DENIED) just to come see me for a couple weeks. this is what it's like for most western passport holders in general, just because you are allowed free entry to the global south does not mean people in the global south are allowed free entry to the global north.

[mhgrf]

Our country's regional visa-free policy for foreigners mainly includes:

Hong Kong and Macao foreign tour groups to enter Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy. Citizens of countries with diplomatic ties with China holding ordinary passports may visit the nine cities in the Greater Bay area and the Shantou Bay Area without the need for a visa after entering the region through a group of Hong Kong and macao-registered travel agents, activities will be held in the cities of Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Shantou, group in and out, stay less than 144 hours.

Visa-free entry policy for tour groups from ASEAN countries to Guilin, Guangxi. Group tours (2 or more) from ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia) , with an ordinary passport, you can enter or leave the country visa-free through the Guilin Airport and travel agencies in Guilin, stay no longer than 144 hours.

Visa-free entry policy for foreign tour groups by cruise. Foreign tour groups (2 or more persons) on cruises and received by travel agencies in China, visa-free group visits are available from 13 cruise ports in Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Wenzhou and Zhoushan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Beihai, Haikou and Sanya, the tour group shall travel with the same cruise to the next port until the departure of this cruise, activities for Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and other 11 coastal provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government) and Beijing, stay no longer than 15 days.

4th, 59 countries personnel entry Hainan 30 days visa-free policy. Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus and 59 other countries hold ordinary passports, for short-term reasons such as tourism, business, visit, family visit, medical treatment, convention and exhibition, sports competition, etc. (except for work and study reasons) , visa-free entry to Hainan may be granted, the scope of activities shall be within the administrative area of Hainan province, and the entry and exit ports shall be all open ports of Hainan province, and the stay time shall not exceed 30 days.

Visa-free 144-hour entry policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao. Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with China who hold ordinary passports and visit Hong Kong and Macao may visit Hainan visa-free if they are in a group of two or more members of a travel agency legally registered in Hong Kong and Macao, activities for the administrative area of Hainan province, the entry and exit ports for all open ports in Hainan province, the use of group entry and exit mode, stay less than 144 hours.

[chiangmailawyer]

One-Year Multiple Entry Visa

Thailand's One-Year Multiple Entry Visa offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking extended stays or frequent travels within Southeast Asia. This visa allows you to enter and exit Thailand multiple times within a year, making it ideal for digital nomads, business travelers, and adventurers who want to explore the region at their own pace.

Key Benefits of the One-Year Multiple Entry Visa:

Extended Stay: Enjoy up to a year of uninterrupted travel and exploration in Thailand.

Multiple Entries: Enter and exit Thailand as often as needed within the visa validity period.

Flexibility: Plan your trips without the constraints of short-term visas.

Southeast Asian Hub: Use Thailand as a base to explore neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the One-Year Multiple Entry Visa, you typically need to meet the following criteria:

Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate financial capability to support your stay in Thailand.

No Criminal Record: Provide proof of a clean criminal record.

Health Insurance: Have valid health insurance coverage that includes medical expenses in Thailand.

Application Form: Complete the required visa application form accurately and truthfully.

Application Process:

The application process for the One-Year Multiple Entry Visa can be completed through various channels, including:

Thai Embassy or Consulate: Submit your application in person at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate.

Online Application: Some embassies or consulates offer online application options.

Visa Agent: Consider using a reputable visa agent for assistance with the application process.

Note: Specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality and the embassy or consulate you're applying to. It's essential to check the official website of the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

Tips for a Successful Application:

Plan Ahead: Apply for your visa well in advance of your planned trip to avoid delays.

Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before submitting your application.

Be Prepared for Interviews: If required, be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and reasons for seeking a long-term visa.

Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhere to the specific instructions provided by the embassy or consulate.

By obtaining a One-Year Multiple Entry Visa, you can embark on a memorable journey through Thailand and explore the diverse wonders of Southeast Asia. With its flexibility and convenience, this visa offers a passport to endless adventures and unforgettable experiences.

[thailandimmigration]

Thailand Visa Exemptions

Thailand, a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, offers visa-free entry for citizens of many countries. This makes it easier for travelers to plan their trips and enjoy the country's stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.

Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry

The list of countries eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand changes periodically. However, as of 2023, many nationalities can visit for a certain period without a visa. Some of the countries that typically qualify include:

Asia: Most Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Europe: Most European countries, such as the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

North America: The United States and Canada.

Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

Please note that visa requirements can change. It's always recommended to check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

Duration of Stay

The duration of visa-free stay varies depending on the nationality. Most travelers can stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa. However, some nationalities may be eligible for longer stays.

Important Considerations

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Thailand.

Purpose of Visit: Your visit should be for tourism, business, or a short-term stay.

Departure Ticket: You may be required to present a return or onward ticket.

Visa Extensions

If you wish to stay in Thailand for longer than the visa-free period, you can apply for a visa extension within the country. The process typically involves submitting your passport and required documents to the Immigration Office.

[evisaapply]

Exploring Malaysia Visa Requirements for Indians

If you're an Indian traveler with a keen desire to explore the vibrant and culturally rich land of Malaysia, you're in for an adventure like no other. Malaysia, with its stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and diverse cultural heritage, offers an unforgettable experience to visitors from around the world. In this article, we will delve into the essential details of obtaining a Malaysia visa for Indians, making your journey seamless and enjoyable.

Understanding Malaysia Visa Categories

Malaysia welcomes Indian travelers with open arms, offering various visa categories to suit different purposes of travel. Here are the primary visa categories for Indians:

1. Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

A tourist visa allows you to explore Malaysia for leisure, tourism, or visiting friends and family. It typically grants a stay of up to 30 days and is extendable while in the country.

2. Business Visa (Single and Multiple Entry)

If your visit is for business purposes, you can apply for either a single-entry or multiple-entry business visa. This visa is ideal for meetings, conferences, and exploring business opportunities in Malaysia.

3. Student Visa

For those aspiring to pursue education in Malaysia, the student visa is the pathway to academic excellence. To obtain this visa, you must secure admission to a recognized Malaysian educational institution.

4. Employment Visa

If you've secured a job in Malaysia, the employment visa is the key to working legally in the country. Your employer will typically assist you with the application process.

Malaysia Visa Application Process

To ensure a smooth application process, follow these steps:

1. Gather Required Documents

A valid passport with at least six months' validity.

A completed visa application form.

Passport-sized photographs.

Proof of travel itinerary.

Financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your stay.

2. Choose the Right Visa Category

Select the visa category that aligns with your purpose of travel, whether it's tourism, business, education, or employment.

3. Apply Online or Visit the Malaysian Embassy/Consulate

You can either apply online through the official website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia or visit the nearest Malaysian Embassy or Consulate.

4. Attend the Visa Interview

In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate to explain the purpose of your visit.

5. Pay the Visa Fee

Ensure you pay the requisite visa fee, which varies depending on the type and duration of the visa.

6. Await Visa Approval

After submitting your application, patiently await the processing and approval of your Malaysia visa.

7. Travel to Malaysia

Upon approval, pack your bags and embark on your exciting journey to Malaysia.

Transitioning Seamlessly

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Conclusion

Malaysia is a captivating destination that beckons Indian travelers with its diverse attractions. Whether you're drawn to its pristine beaches, bustling markets, or its vibrant cultural scene, obtaining a Malaysia visa for Indians is your gateway to this enchanting land. By following the visa application process diligently, you'll soon find yourself immersed in the unique beauty and experiences that Malaysia has to offer.

Apply Now: CLICK HERE

[visaablog]

Malaysia Multiple Entry Visa: Convenient Travel for Frequent Visitors

For Indian travelers frequently visiting Malaysia, the Malaysia multiple entry visa is a perfect choice! This visa allows multiple entries over a specified period, making it ideal for business or regular travel plans. With a straightforward application process, it provides great flexibility and ease. Start your travel journey with confidence and enjoy seamless trips to Malaysia!

[personalcareexpo]

Visa-free! 🎉Entry policy relaxed!🎉 Visa waiver added!🤝 Relax visa requirements for foreigners!😆

🐼Relaxing visa conditions for foreigners， More convenient for overseas visitors✈️ To visit exhibitions in China for business cooperation💼🥂 ! ! !

In 2023, the transit policy and visa process will be optimized, international flights will resume and increase at a faster pace, and multiple entry favorable policies will further facilitate international business exchanges. China's door to the world will open wider and wider!🐼💖🤗

01✨

Shanghai port issued a new visa-free transit reminder📣 The National Immigration Bureau issued a new visa-free transit policy in November, 23📣

At present, the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy is implemented at 31 ports in 23 cities in 18 provinces for people from 54 countries. Namely Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries, totaling 54 countries with valid international travel documents and confirmed dates and seats within a limited time. Persons from 54 countries who transit from China to a third country (region), with valid international travel documents, and connecting passenger tickets with fixed dates and seats within a limited time, may apply for transit visa exemption to the port entry inspection authorities of the cities that implement the transit visa exemption policy, and the exit border inspection authorities will handle the temporary entry formalities for them. The duration of visa-free stay starts from 00:00 on the next day of entry.

❤️[Please see the table at the bottom for details of Shanghai ports]👇👇

02✨

📢New news on visa-free policy released in November 📢China’s new visa-free policy promotes high-level opening-up

On November 24, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China has decided to try to expand the scope of unilateral visa-free countries and implement a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. From December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the above countries who come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days can enter China without a visa.

03✨

New news on convenient foreign personnel coming to China released in January📣 The National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreign nationals to come to China📣

Another good news has come recently. Starting from January 11, the National Immigration Administration has officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreigners coming to China, which mainly include:

Relax the conditions for foreigners coming to China to apply for port visas. For foreigners who urgently need to come to China to engage in non-diplomatic and official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and handling private affairs, and who do not have time to apply for a visa abroad, they can apply for a port visa entry to the port visa authority with relevant proof materials such as invitation letters.

For foreigners, 24-hour direct transit passengers at nine international airports including Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi'an Xianyang are exempted from border inspection procedures.

Foreigners in China can apply for visa extension, replacement and reissue at their nearest location.

Foreigners in China who need to enter and exit multiple times can apply for a re-entry visa.

Simplify the application materials for visa documents for foreigners in China.

04✨

📢Starting from February 9, China and Singapore will exempt each other from visas

On January 25, representatives from the government of the People's Republic of China and the government of the Republic of Singapore signed the 'Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passport Holders' in Beijing. The agreement will officially enter into force on February 9, 2024 (Lunar New Year’s Eve). By then, people from both sides holding ordinary passports can enter the other country without a visa to engage in tourism, family visits, business and other private affairs, and their stay shall not exceed 30 days. If you enter the other country to engage in activities that require prior approval, such as work or news reporting, or plan to stay in the other country for more than 30 days, you must obtain the corresponding visa before entering the other country.

As of January 25, China has concluded mutual visa exemption agreements covering different passport types with 157 countries, and has reached agreements or arrangements with 44 countries to simplify visa procedures. Comprehensive mutual visa exemption has been achieved with 22 countries including Singapore, Maldives and Kazakhstan. In addition, more than 60 countries and regions offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival convenience to Chinese citizens. The convenience for Chinese citizens to leave the country has been greatly improved, and the 'gold content' of Chinese passports will become increasingly valuable. (Source: CCTV News)

05✨

Starting from March 1, China and Thailand will exempt each other from visas📣

On January 28, the government of the People's Republic of China and the Royal Government of Thailand held a signing ceremony in Bangkok for an agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders. The agreement will take effect from March 1, 2024.

After the news was released, data from a travel platform showed that the search popularity of Thailand-related keywords on the platform increased by more than 7 times compared with the previous day. Among them, air tickets and hotels increased by more than 6 times compared with the previous day. (Source: CCTV News)

In addition, recently, China has stated that it will grant unilateral visa-free treatment to Sweden and Ireland. This is the second time that China has granted visa-free treatment to European countries after France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

#visa #China #chinesevisa #visafree #entrypolicy #visawaiver #businessinchina #transitpolicy #internationalflights #internationalbusinessexchanges #business #Shanghaiport #transitvisaexemption #tourism #visitrelatives #visitfriends

[nnmatwsmb]

China's Visa Waiver Expanded to Facilitate People-to-people Exchanges Between China and Foreign Countries

In order to promote communication and exchanges between countries, China has granted visa-free access to 29 countries. China's “visa-free circle of friends” is expanding. In December last year, China's France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, six countries on a trial basis, visa-free policy, and since then continue to expand the scope of visa-free. Together with the announcement earlier this month of visa-free access for ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and nine other countries, China has been trying to implement visa-free access to nearly 30 countries over the past two years. November 1, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian said that, in order to further facilitate the movement of people between China and foreign countries, China has decided to implement visa-free access for ordinary passport holders from November 8, 2024, to nine countries, such as Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Andorra, to provide visa-free access for people holding ordinary passports. The Chinese government has decided to implement a visa-free policy for holders of ordinary passports from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra and other nine countries from November 8, 2024 onwards. Previously, China has already granted visa-free access to 20 countries, and with the addition of 9 new countries, the total number of visa-free countries is 29. From the overall data, last year so far, China's trial visa-free nearly 30 countries, different sources of tourists' response hot and cold uneven. Ctrip platform data show that Germany, Spain, Italy, Malaysia inbound tourists growth rate ranked high, visa-free countries of the overall visitor orders accounted for one-third of the platform inbound tour orders. From the air ticket order data, in the past two years, about a quarter of the inbound tourists, about one quarter of the tourists are the second or more times to China. The impact of expanding the visa-free “circle of friends” is also visualized in the figures. Data from the State Immigration Administration shows that in the first three quarters of this year, there were 22.821 million foreigners entering the country through various ports of entry, of which 8.186 million entered the country in the third quarter, with 4.885 million visa-free tourists entering the country, a year-on-year increase of 78.6%. Shanghai, which is committed to building “the first stop for China's inbound tourism”, is leading the country in the speed of recovery of inbound tourism. From January to August this year, the number of inbound tourists in Shanghai reached 4.027 million, up 1.1 times compared with the same period last year. Young tourists and family tourists brought by visa exemption have lowered the average age of inbound tourists, who are also willing to explore more new and interesting places and programs.

[visa-services]

Malaysia eNTRI Visa:- Apply for Malaysia eNTRI visa with Musafir and receive your visa in just 4 hours. Read to know the Malaysia E visa online application documents requirement & more.

[head-post]

China’s list of visa-free countries expanded

China’s visa-free travel list continues to grow, with five more European countries added to the list.

Citizens of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovakia and Finland have been granted visa-free entry to the Asian country.

Tourists from these countries as well as South Korea will be able to enter China without visas from November 8, 2024 to December 31, 2025.

This comes after the addition of Norway was announced in September and Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Greece, Portugal and Slovenia in October. This brings the total number of European countries granted visa-free access to 24. In July, travellers from Poland, Australia and New Zealand were also granted unrestricted entry to China until the end of 2025.

The scheme was announced in phases from the beginning of 2024, and various European countries and Malaysia have also been granted visa-free access. The programme aims to attract more people to China for business and tourism purposes, and to promote exchanges between Chinese citizens and foreigners.

The full list of European countries now includes Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. Tourists from these countries will be allowed to enter China for short stays without a visa until the end of next year.

The aim is to “promote the qualitative development of exchanges between Chinese and foreign personnel and open up the outside world at a high level,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said at a briefing on the initial announcement in November. Under the trial programme, visa-free entry will be granted for up to 15 days.

China’s international travel recovery continues

According to statistics, the country recorded 35.5 million foreign tourists in 2023, up from 97.7 million before the pandemic. Experts estimate that in the three years that the country was closed to the outside world due to the pandemic, the loss of revenue due to the lack of tourists totalled $362bn.The target for 2024 is to reach a level of 50 per cent of total entry in 2019.

Europe is recovering faster than some other markets, according to travel websites. Trip.com statistics show that growth in total bookings from Europe to China is up more than 6 times in 2023 compared to 2022 and almost 29% compared to 2019. Germany and the UK are in the top 10 most active inbound markets. Shanghai remains China’s most popular destination for Europeans, followed by Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Encouraging entry works. According to Trip.com, the most recent holiday – the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, which starts at the end of January and lasts officially 15 days but actually a whole month – saw twice as many tourists from the named 11 European countries travelling to China as in 2019.

China is also doing a lot to facilitate payments, infrastructure development. But according to experts, while the country has made significant strides in developing advanced technology and transport infrastructure for domestic travel, foreign tourists often face problems travelling around the country. For example, to book seats on high-speed trains or museum tickets, it is necessary to use the local WeChat service.

Many establishments accept WeChat Pay or AliPay exclusively, putting foreign travellers in a difficult position if they rely solely on cash or credit cards. And many hotels in China are not allowed to accept foreign travellers at all.

Read more HERE