Beijing grants three-day visa-free access

FROM January 1, 2013, tourists from 45 countries will be allowed to enjoy a 72-hour visa-free stay in China’s capital.

According to an announcement on the official website of the Beijing government, ”The policy is aimed at making Beijing more accessible to the world and is expected to attract more overseas travelers.”

However, visitors without a visa will not be allowed to travel outside Beijing once they arrive.

According to China Daily, the Beijing Tourism Development Committee said the programme benefits transit passengers and business travellers.

The 45 countries mentioned include Singapore, Japan, the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Australia.

Zhang Hui, a professor of tourism at Beijing Jiaotong University, told the Chinese newspaper: “The waiver is definitely a giant step forward that will greatly boost tourism. Business tours and high-end travel will benefit the most. Those on business trips usually don’t have sightseeing plans, so they’re free to explore when they have time.

This move follows Shanghai’s recent approval of visa-free access for up to 72 hours for foreign transit visitors to Shanghai (TTG Asia e-Daily, July 27, 2012).