China will ease visa requirements for tourists from the United States starting January 1, 2024.
The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., announced the move on its website, saying that U.S. citizens applying for tourist visas will no longer need to provide hotel reservations, flight tickets, or a letter of invitation.
This is the latest step taken by China to revive its tourism industry and boost the world’s second-largest economy, which suffered a downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the past, China has allowed citizens of six countries – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia – to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 15 days. This policy is valid for 12 months. In November 2022, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to include 54 countries.
The new visa requirements are expected to make it easier for U.S. tourists to travel to China. The move is likely to boost tourism in China, which is a major tourist destination with a rich history and culture.
