Skift Take
You know China is severe about enhancing inbound tourist when in a span of less than 2 months the country has actually revealed visa waivers for 8 countries.
Peden Doma Bhutia
China will now be entering into a mutual agreement with Thailand for permanent waiver of visa requirements for people of the two nations from March onwards.
Announcing this, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated on Tuesday, the plan would serve to upgrade the relationship in between the two countries.
Thailand had previously waived off entry requirements for Chinese tourists until February this year, allowing Chinese travelers to stay in the nation visa complimentary for thirty days. China had so far not reciprocated the favor till today’s statement.
On Tuesday, Wang Wenbin, the representative for the Chinese foreign ministry, specified that the 2 countries are in discussion regarding the details of mutually excusing visa requirements for their residents.
2023 for Thailand Tourist
For Thailand, which invited almost 28 million foreign tourists in 2023, a little above its target, this could be a game-changer.
With 3.5 million arrivals, Chinese travelers were the 2nd biggest visitors into Thailand, after Malaysia. In 2019, China was the greatest incoming market for Thailand with 10 million travelers.
Thailand intends to generate tourism profits worth 3.5 trillion baht ($100 billion) in 2024.
On Tuesday, the nation also announced its plan to simplify the process for foreign tourists to obtain value-added tax refunds on products purchased in Thailand.
Travelers buying goods as much as 20,000 baht ($585) will no longer be needed to present them to custom-mades officials throughout the refund process, a notable increase from the previous limitation of 5,000 baht ($146).
China’s Inbound Focus
China just recently carried out a policy for visa-free travel for 5 European countries and Malaysia, following a trial period. Reliable from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, this policy makes it possible for normal passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia to remain in China for up to 15 days without a visa.
Around 214,000 people from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia got in the country in December 2023, a boost of 28.5 percent compared to November, according to the current information from National Migration Administration.
“Of these inbound trips, 118,000 were made by common passport holders without a visa, accounting for 55% of all incoming journeys from the 6 countries during this period. Around 91,000 visa-free entries were produced travel and organization,” the government announced on Tuesday.
In addition, China has likewise agreed on a reciprocal visa-free agreement with Singapore permitting thirty days of visa-free travel between citizens of the 2 nations.
Commencing this Monday, China has also structured entry policies for U.S. residents traveling on tourist visas. Tourist visa candidates from the U.S. will no longer need to provide proof of round-trip air tickets, hotel bookings, itinerary, or an invitation letter.