Chinese region introduces visa-free regime for tour groups from ASEAN countries

Tour groups from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will be able to visit Xishuangbanna in Southwest China's Yunnan Province without a visa for up to six days, as reported by the Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

This innovation has been in effect since 10 February. Tourists in groups from Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and other countries will be able to enter and exit without a visa through Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, as well as through the railway and road checkpoints Mohan on the border between China and Laos.

It is noted that there has been a sharp increase in the number of foreign travellers from Southeast Asian countries since the beginning of the year. According to a spokesman for the National Immigration Administration, the introduction of visa-free travel will boost tourism in the southwest, enhance cross-cultural exchanges and strengthen strategic cooperation and economic interaction between China and ASEAN.

Photo: iStock