Hainan Pursues Foreign Tourists with Visa Free PolicyMembers of tourist groups from 21 countries now do not need a visa to visit south China's Hainan Province for less than 15 days.The policy change was approved by the State Council, according to sources from the provincial people's government. Over 8,000 foreign travelers from 21 countries have enjoyed the policy between February and September. The majority of these visitors are from South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Travel agencies in these countries, who have been approved by the China National Tourism Administration to do travel business in Hainan, will only be required to present name rosters of tour groups heading for this south China island province, said government sources. The 21 countries are Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Britain, France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Before this, foreigners from countries that have diplomatic relations with China were allowed to get visas upon arrival at Haikou or Sanya for purposes of business, visiting relatives or tourism. |
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