Group Tours Resume for 60 Countries... Korea Excluded
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that its visa policy has returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
According to China News Network on the 21st, Wu Xi, Director-General of the Consular Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this announcement during a briefing hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association. He added, "We have implemented 'B-class management for B-class infectious diseases' regarding COVID-19 and have strived to facilitate travel between Chinese citizens and foreigners."
He explained, "Reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic situation, China has continuously optimized and adjusted its policies on personnel exchanges with foreign countries," and stated, "China has currently resumed group tours to 60 countries." He further claimed, "For entry into China, antigen tests have replaced nucleic acid tests, and the visa policy has already returned to the level before the infectious disease outbreak." International flights to China continue to increase, and accordingly, the number of flights is expected to rise further during this summer vacation period.
Previously, China had completely banned overseas travel by its citizens for over three years starting from early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Border areas with neighboring countries were closed by land, and the issuance of travel visas to foreigners was also suspended.
As the pandemic situation improved, China abolished its 'zero-COVID' policy and, starting in January, allowed overseas group tours to 20 countries including Thailand and Indonesia. Subsequently, in March, group tours to an additional 40 countries such as Nepal, Brunei, Vietnam, Mongolia, Iran, and Jordan were permitted. However, South Korea, Japan, and the United States were not included in the lists of countries allowed for the first and second phases of group tours for Chinese citizens.
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