China , Reopening Borders , to Foreign Travelers and Tourists.
CNN reports that China will fully reopen to all
foreign visitors, including tourists, following
three years of strict pandemic border restrictions.
On March 13, China's embassy in the United States
said that it would begin issuing all categories
of visas for foreigners on March 15.
According to a statement issued by the embassy,
travelers' multi-year visas issued before March 28, 2020,
will still be valid so long as they had not expired yet.
Last month, the Chinese government
declared a "major and decisive victory"
over the COVID-19 pandemic. .
CNN reports that the news comes as
China has looked to revive its economy
and its domestic tourist industry.
As part of the lifting of travel restrictions,
visa-free entry will also once again be allowed for
foreigners traveling from Macao and Hong Kong.
In January, China lifted quarantine
requirements for international arrivals.
The loosening of restrictions was reportedly met
with an outpouring of relief from Chinese citizens.
According to a U.S. State Department advisory
update, U.S. citizens are urged to reconsider travel
plans to China, including Hong Kong and Macao.
The update and warning it contained were
due to the “arbitrary enforcement of local laws”
and an increased risk of wrongful detention