China’s economic need and soft diplomacy spur about-face on visa-free entry
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It was once a privilege afforded to only Singapore, Brunei and Japan but now travel rules have been relaxed for dozens of countries. But are many people coming?. A few years ago, getting a visa to visit China was a “ball ache”, says Kate Murray. The Australian was going for a four-day trade show, but the visa required a formal invitation from the organisers and what felt like “a thousand forms”.
![[Helen Davidson]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2019/04/04/Helen_Davidson.png?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
“They wanted so many details about your life and personal life,” she tells the Guardian. “The paperwork was bonkers.”. But were she to go back again now, Murray could just jump on the plane. Australians are among citizens of almost 40 countries for which China now waives visas for business, tourism or family visits for up to four weeks.
It’s a dramatic change in Beijing’s approach to foreign visitors, but one that analysts say is being driven by economic need and strategic soft diplomacy. Under the authoritarian rule of Xi Jinping, China is growing more politically isolated from the west. But when it comes to being a holiday destination? The country has never been more open.
Before the pandemic, China allowed visa-free entry to people from just three countries – Singapore, Brunei and Japan. Now, it’s 38, with pledges to grow the list. There are also a range of other offerings, including transit visas on arrival for people from 54 countries to explore a growing number of specific cities for between three and 10 days, and government-driven campaigns to simplify in-country experiences like paying with non-local cards or cash easier.
