China slashes visa fees: Tourists to travel to the PRC for less

China has thrown open its doors, slashing visa fees by a whopping 25% with the offer extending to a range of countries including Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

China, in its latest move to boost tourism and business, has made it more affordable for millions to obtain visas. The unprecedented 25% cut applies to travellers from over a dozen nations, making it a golden opportunity for those planning a visit to the Far East giant.

Effective from December 11, Thai nationals can revel in reduced visa fees. For a single-entry tourist visa, prices now range from 750 baht for ordinary service to 1,950 baht for the express option. The Chinese embassy website is your go-to for these wallet-friendly details.

The visa discount is just one dance move in China’s diplomatic tango. The nation has been making strategic moves to welcome back foreign tourists and business enthusiasts, breathing life into its recovering economy. Thailand, not one to be outdone, is pushing for more, seeking visa exemptions for its eager tourists.

Thailand, riding high on a wave of optimism, is urging China to reciprocate its generosity. Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara spilled the beans after a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The proposal? Visa exemptions for Thai tourists, mirroring the privileges recently granted to Chinese travellers.

Wang Yi, the Chinese counterpart, has given a nod of approval to Thailand’s visa exemption plea. With a promising outlook, a working panel is gearing up to jet off to China by the month’s end for a face-to-face discussion with Chinese authorities, reported Bangkok Post.

In September, Thailand introduced a tourist visa exemption scheme for Chinese and Kazakh passport holders, allowing a leisurely 30-day stay until February 29 next year. Now, as China extends its goodwill, Thai travellers may soon experience visa-free privilege.

China isn’t stopping there. In a reciprocal move, passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can enter China visa-free until the end of 2024.