Skift Take
This will be a boost primarily for the capital region and its immediate surroundings. Business travelers would certainly be biggest first beneficiaries.
State media say that China will allow most foreign visitors to stay in Beijing for three days without a visa if they are heading on to another country, a policy meant to boost tourism and smooth the way for transiting passengers and business travelers.
The China Daily newspaper said the new rules take effect Jan. 1 and apply to visitors from 45 countries, including Japan, Australia, Singapore, the United States, France, Germany and Argentina.
The report says travelers must have a ticket to a third country to qualify and are forbidden to leave Beijing. It says they also must register with police within 24 hours of arrival.
The official Xinhua News Agency says Beijing receives around 5 million foreign visitors per year.
ChinaDaily: The visa exemption only applies to the capital. To go to other cities, foreigners will have to go through the public security bureau’s exit and entry administration.
The Daily Newsletter
Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.
Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch
Photo credit: Terminal 3 at Beijing airport. sanfamedia.com / Flickr.com