China, which allowed visa-free entry to Korea starting on the 8th, decided to increase the visa-free entry period from 15 to 30 days. China also added Japan to the list of countries subject to ‘one-sided visa exemption’.
At a regular briefing on the 22nd, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, “We will increase the period of stay in China without a visa from 15 to 30 days,” and added, “In addition to business, tourism, and visits to relatives, exchange visits are also added to the visa-free conditions.” Accordingly, from the 8th, Korean passport holders who were able to enter China without a visa had their period of stay in China doubled.
However, the Korean Embassy in China advised, “When visiting China, you must be able to explain the purpose of entry and period of stay,” and “It is necessary to prepare in advance a return ticket to your home country or a third country and contact information when staying in China.” Also, unless you are staying at a hotel that provides its own ‘registration of accommodation (temporary residence registration for foreigners)’, you must register your accommodation at the local police station.
China has decided to include regular passport holders of Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, and Latvia as visa-exempt countries from the 30th of this month to December 31st of next year. Initially, Japan could visit China within 15 days without a visa, but the visa exemption measure was suspended from March 2020.
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Beijing = Correspondent Kim Cheol-joong [email protected]
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How will the visa-free policy between Korea and China affect tourism patterns in the region?
Interview: The Impact of Visa-Free Travel between Korea and China
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we’re diving into an exciting development in international travel—China’s new visa-free entry policy for Korean citizens. Joining us is Dr. Mei Zhang, an expert in international relations and tourism policy. Thank you for being here, Dr. Zhang!
Dr. Mei Zhang: Thank you for having me! It’s a fascinating time for travel between Korea and China.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent announcement—China has extended the visa-free stay from 15 to 30 days for Korean passport holders. What prompted this change?
Dr. Zhang: The extension reflects China’s desire to boost tourism and strengthen its relations with Korea. With the easing of travel restrictions post-pandemic, China aims to attract more visitors to help revitalize its economy, particularly in the tourism sector, which has been significantly impacted.
Editor: That makes sense. Moreover, we’ve noticed that Japan has also been included in this visa exemption policy. How significant is this for regional relations?
Dr. Zhang: Including Japan is crucial. It signals a shift in regional diplomacy—China is looking to improve ties with its neighbors amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tensions. By attracting tourists from these three countries, China is not only enhancing economic ties but also fostering goodwill and cultural exchange.
Editor: It sounds promising! But the Korean Embassy has issued some travel advice, such as being prepared to explain the purpose of entry and ensuring compliance with local regulations. How can travelers navigate this effectively?
Dr. Zhang: It’s important for travelers to stay informed and prepared. Ensuring you have a clear itinerary and registration for accommodation can prevent any complications. It’s about demonstrating respect for local laws, which can make the travel experience smoother.
Editor: How do you think this policy will impact travel trends from Korea to China, given that tourism was quite limited for the past few years?
Dr. Zhang: I believe we’ll see a significant uptick in travel. The visa-free entry simplifies the decision-making process for many. Travelers will likely take advantage of this by planning trips not only for tourism but also to visit family and friends, which adds a personal dimension to travel and strengthens ties between our cultures.
Editor: Absolutely! It’s wonderful to see how travel can bring people together. With this policy lasting until the end of next year, what long-term changes should we expect in the travel landscape between these countries?
Dr. Zhang: If this visa-free policy proves successful, it could lead to permanent arrangements and potentially inspire similar policies with other nations. Furthermore, we may see an increase in joint tourism campaigns and cultural exchanges, which would benefit both economies in the long run.
Editor: That’s a bright outlook! Lastly, what advice do you have for travelers looking to take advantage of this new policy?
Dr. Zhang: Plan ahead! Ensure you have all necessary documents in order—like your return tickets and accommodation details— and stay updated on any travel advisories. This way, you can focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about logistics.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Zhang, for sharing your insights! It’s exciting to see travel opportunities expand and the potential for greater cultural exchange.
Dr. Zhang: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how this policy unfolds.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on international travel and tourism developments!