China Reopening Borders to Foreign Travelers and Tourists

China , Reopening Borders , to Foreign Travelers and Tourists.

CNN reports that China will fully reopen to all foreign visitors, including tourists, following three years of strict pandemic border restrictions.

On March 13, China's embassy in the United States said that it would begin issuing all categories of visas for foreigners on March 15.

According to a statement issued by the embassy, travelers' multi-year visas issued before March 28, 2020, will still be valid so long as they had not expired yet.

Last month, the Chinese government declared a "major and decisive victory" over the COVID-19 pandemic.

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CNN reports that the news comes as China has looked to revive its economy and its domestic tourist industry.

As part of the lifting of travel restrictions, visa-free entry will also once again be allowed for foreigners traveling from Macao and Hong Kong.

In January, China lifted quarantine requirements for international arrivals.

The loosening of restrictions was reportedly met with an outpouring of relief from Chinese citizens.

According to a U.S. State Department advisory update, U.S. citizens are urged to reconsider travel plans to China, including Hong Kong and Macao.

The update and warning it contained were due to the “arbitrary enforcement of local laws” and an increased risk of wrongful detention