China to reopen its borders to tourists for 1st time in 3 years

China will reopen its borders to tourists and resume issuing all visas on Wednesday after a three-year halt during the pandemic, as it seeks to boost its tourism sector and economy.

China is one of the last major countries to reopen its borders to tourists. The announcement on Tuesday came after it declared a “decisive victory” over COVID-19 in February.

All types of visas will resume from Wednesday. Visa-free entry also will resume at destinations such as Hainan island as well as for cruise ships entering Shanghai that had no visa requirement before COVID-19.

Foreigners holding visas issued before March 28, 2020, that