China is to resume issuing visas to foreign tourists for the first time since the Covid pandemic broke out three years ago.
The major easing of restrictions comes after Beijing declared victory over the virus and retreated from a zero-Covid strategy that has hurt its economy.
Valid visas issued before China closed to the world on 28th of March 2020 will be honoured starting on 15 March.
Visa-free entry will resume in Hainan Island and Shanghai for cruise ships.
Tour groups from Hong Kong and Macau will be allowed visa-free entry while Chinese consular offices abroad will also resume processing visa applications.
The removal of the last cross-border restrictions imposed to tackle Covid marks a major step towards the resumption of normal life in post-pandemic China. All changes take effect on the 15th of March.
Tens of millions of international visitors came to China each year prior to the pandemic, and its tourism industry has been hard hit by strict anti-Covid measures.
For the current year, Beijing has set a 5% target with new Premier Li Qiang saying that the world’s second-largest economy is stabilizing and picking up again.
The zero-Covid policy that was lifted in December sparked rare protests against China’s leader, Xi Jinping.
He has since solidified his grip on power in the Communist Party and secured a record third term as president.
Bbc/Adebukola Aluko
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