China gives travelers little notice about new rules for tourist and business visas

Skift Take

The vague guidelines that require a letter of invitation from within China may drive tourists to tour operators for an easier application process and to avoid making reservations before visa approval.

If you’re planning a trip to China and don’t have an up-to-date visa in hand, you may encounter some additional red tape.

On Aug. 1, the Chinese government started requiring that travelers seeking tourist visas, officially known as L visas, submit a letter of invitation and photocopies of the traveler’s round-trip ticket and hotel reservations.

To obtain a business, or F Visa, applicants must now have an invitation letter or “confirmation letter of invitation” issued by an authorized Chinese agency. This is in addition to an invitation letter issued by a Chinese local government, company, corporation or institution.

Up Next

Experiences

How Travel Brands Can Seize the ‘Q5’ Opportunity on TikTok

Driven by increased spending on experiences and the digital habits of younger audiences, TikTok has emerged as a key platform for inspiring and shaping travel decisions. Leveraging the platform’s reach early in the year presents a unique opportunity for travel brands to connect with eager travelers.

TikTok for Business + Skift | 1 month ago

Southwest Blames Partners, Canadians Avoid the U.S. and Indian Women Lead

On today’s podcast we discuss Southwest’s disappointment with booking partners, Canadians’ disappointment with the U.S., and the women leading change in the Indian travel industry.

Rashaad Jorden | 32 minutes ago

Aerial render of the town center of Al Marjan Island.

Hotels

Taj-Parent Indian Hotels Company Enters Ras Al Khaimah With Branded Residences

With big competitors like Movenpick and Hampton by Hilton resorts, IHCL has clearly tried to set itself apart by going the branded apartment route.

5 hours ago

Jongyoon Kim, the CEO of South Korea-based superapp Yanolja,

Online Travel

Yanolja Teams With ChatGPT and Google. More AI Partnerships to Come, CEO Says

Industry leaders envision a future where consumers can plan, book, and manage all aspects of travel from a single interface. These early partnerships between AI and travel companies bring that vision a step closer.

Justin Dawes | 11 hours ago

Online Travel

Southwest Didn't Get the Gains It Expected From New Online Booking Channels

Southwest is looking to expand its online distribution even though it didn't get the love it sought for its now-abandoned 'bags fly free' policy.

Dennis Schaal | 15 hours ago

First read is on us.

China gives travelers little notice about new rules for tourist and business visas

Skift Take

Up Next

How Travel Brands Can Seize the ‘Q5’ Opportunity on TikTok

Southwest Blames Partners, Canadians Avoid the U.S. and Indian Women Lead

Taj-Parent Indian Hotels Company Enters Ras Al Khaimah With Branded Residences

Yanolja Teams With ChatGPT and Google. More AI Partnerships to Come, CEO Says

Southwest Didn't Get the Gains It Expected From New Online Booking Channels

First read is on us.
Subscribe to read more essential travel industry news.

First read is on us.

China gives travelers little notice about new rules for tourist and business visas

Skift Take

Up Next

How Travel Brands Can Seize the ‘Q5’ Opportunity on TikTok

Southwest Blames Partners, Canadians Avoid the U.S. and Indian Women Lead

Taj-Parent Indian Hotels Company Enters Ras Al Khaimah With Branded Residences

Yanolja Teams With ChatGPT and Google. More AI Partnerships to Come, CEO Says

Southwest Didn't Get the Gains It Expected From New Online Booking Channels

First read is on us.Subscribe to read more essential travel industry news.

First read is on us.
Subscribe to read more essential travel industry news.