The Chinese government has announced that it will resume applications for tourist visas from the 15th, which had been suspended for three years due to the global spread of the new coronavirus.

However, measures to exempt Japanese from visas for short-term stays of up to 15 days remain suspended.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced at a press conference on the 14th that all visa applications, including tourist visas, will resume from the 15th.



In response to the global spread of the new coronavirus, the Chinese government has taken measures to suspend the entry of foreigners except diplomats since March 2020, but after that, business and study abroad etc. The issuance of visas for the purpose has been resumed in stages.



It is the first time in three years that the issuance of tourist visas has been resumed, and the Chinese government seems to aim to revitalize the stagnant economy due to the effects of the "zero corona" policy by revitalizing travel with overseas.



However, measures to exempt visas for short-term stays of up to 15 days, which has been used by many Japanese who visit China for travel or business trips, remain suspended.



On the other hand, overseas group travel by Chinese people is gradually resuming. However, Japan is not included in this.