![[PR] PR_Ascott and Vimut Hospital_2024](https://www.traveldailynews.asia/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PR-PR_Ascott-and-Vimut-Hospital_2024-400x265.jpg)
China has recently introduced a series of new measures aimed at facilitating entry into the country, with a particular emphasis on providing greater convenience for business travelers. On August 3rd, […]
China has recently introduced a series of new measures aimed at facilitating entry into the country, with a particular emphasis on providing greater convenience for business travelers.
On August 3rd, the Ministry of Public Security unveiled a set of 26 new “convenience” measures designed to streamline domestic travel and offer enhanced options for business travelers. Among these measures is the provision to upgrade single-entry arrival visas for business purposes to multiple-entry visas, which can remain valid for a span of up to three years.
For individuals visiting China for purposes such as business negotiations, meetings, investment endeavors, entrepreneurial activities, conferences, and exhibitions, the option to apply for landing visas is now available, provided they present an invitation letter and the required supporting documents.
These measures, expected to be implemented by the end of August, also outline the possibility for business travelers to convert a visa-on-arrival into a multiple-entry visa once they have entered the country.
Furthermore, foreign nationals who are in the process of obtaining residence permits will now be allowed to retain their passports. This marks a departure from the previous practice where authorities issued temporary travel documents, which were not as widely recognized for travel arrangements as passports. Bloomberg has reported on this development.
The introduction of these measures follows more than seven months after China lifted its stringent quarantine requirements for international travelers. This adjustment comes amid reports of a slower-than-anticipated economic recovery following the pandemic.
While hailed as a positive step forward, industry experts believe that these measures alone will not be sufficient to fully restore business travel to pre-pandemic levels. Jens Eskelund, President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, emphasized that beyond the convenience measures, addressing issues related to China’s policy transparency and unpredictability is crucial to rebuilding confidence among foreign enterprises and talents. This sentiment was conveyed through Bloomberg’s coverage of the matter.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
