China is opening its doors wider to the world, introducing new measures to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for foreign travelers. At a regular news briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning announced that China is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and convenient travel environment for international visitors.
“We welcome more foreigners to visit China,” Mao said, highlighting efforts to streamline the visa application process and improve services for travelers. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has taken significant steps, including shortening visa application forms, exempting certain applicants from fingerprinting, and extending unilateral visa-free policies on a trial basis to countries like France and Germany.
Addressing common challenges faced by visitors, Mao noted that the People’s Bank of China has instructed payment institutions to enhance the use of international bank cards. This move aims to simplify identity verification procedures and increase the limit on single mobile payment transactions, making everyday purchases easier for tourists.
In addition, major telecommunications carriers such as China Telecom and China Mobile have set up service outlets at airports in major cities. These facilities are designed to help foreigners quickly obtain a local mobile phone number upon arrival, ensuring they stay connected throughout their journey.
China’s efforts to facilitate inbound tourism are already showing results. During the Chinese Lunar New Year, the number of inbound tourists reached 3.23 million, reflecting the country’s appeal as a global destination.
As China continues to enhance its travel environment, visitors can look forward to a more welcoming and accessible experience, whether they’re exploring ancient cultural sites, engaging in business ventures, or reconnecting with friends and family.
Reference(s):
FM spokesperson: China continues facilitating inbound tourism
cgtn.com
