Canadian media reported that Citizenship and Immigration Canada issued as many as 1 million tourist visas in 2012, a 40% increase compared to 2004. The number of visitors from China to Mexico has risen rapidly over the past three years, growing by 30%. Outbound travel by Chinese tourists is showing a rapid growth trend. Chinese tourists going abroad are also receiving increasing attention from governments around the world.
According to reports, in the past year or two, visa policies in Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea have shown signs of relaxation toward Chinese tourists. Recently, reporters found the 2013 outbound travel visa guide on Mafengwo, China’s largest travel social media platform, which details changes in visa policies for popular destinations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia in 2013.
Observers note that compared to previous visa policies, these new regulations are characterized by being more cost-effective, convenient, and open. Not only have visa fees been reduced and various procedural steps simplified, but multiple countries have also introduced or are planning to introduce long-term and multiple-entry visas for Chinese tourists.
Experts from Mafengwo’s travel guide service say that both the simplification of visa procedures and the introduction of long-term multiple-entry visas reflect the importance placed on Chinese tourism. In 2013, China’s outbound travel is expected to reach new heights. Let’s take a look at the specific changes in outbound visas for 2013:
More cost-effective
The new visa policies of the United States, Canada, and other countries show that visa application fees have decreased in 2013. The United States has abolished two visa fees: the $54 or $36 appointment fee and the approximately $32 passport mailing fee. Starting March 16, applicants only need to pay the visa processing fee of $160.
In addition, Canada will continue to implement the reduced visa fees in 2013, with single-entry visas priced at 475 yuan and multiple-entry visas at 950 yuan. South Korea also lowered its visa fees from the original 210 yuan to 195 yuan starting last year.
In 2013, Thailand and Cambodia implemented a single visa policy, allowing tourists to enter Cambodia visa-free with a Thai visa. Similarly, travelers holding a U.S. visa no longer need a Mexican visa and can enter Mexico directly. This means visiting two countries only requires paying for one country’s visa.
Of course, some countries increased their visa fees for China in 2013. For example, starting July 1, 2012, the Australian Embassy raised the visitor visa fee from 740 yuan to 790 yuan.
More convenient
In addition to lower costs, many countries have simplified visa procedures, greatly reducing the time investment. Starting March 16, the U.S. Embassy in China began offering online appointment services for Chinese citizens for the first time. Non-immigrant visa applicants can make appointments online via www.ustraveldocs.com, whereas previously they could only book by phone.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of State has publicly stated that in 2013, the U.S. plans to expand its visa services in China by adding more visa application windows in various cities. Mexico has also shortened the processing time for Chinese visas, with individual, ADS group, or business visas often issued within 2–3 days, and some even approved on the same day.
If applying for a German visa through a visa center, an interview may not be required, though an additional service fee will apply. Australia has started implementing an electronic visa system for Chinese tourists. Chinese citizens can apply for and receive an appropriate Australian visa as usual before traveling, and the Australian government will send a letter notifying the visa details. The UK plans to simplify multiple visa procedures in the first half of 2013, including shortening the ADS online application form and reducing requirements, though specific details have yet to be announced.
Multiple-entry options available
In 2013, China’s outbound tourists, including those visiting Canada, South Korea, and other countries, are allowed varying degrees of multiple-entry within a year. For instance, business professionals in Mexico can obtain multiple-entry visas valid for 5 to 10 years; Canada extended the validity of its multiple-entry tourist visa from 5 years to 10 years in July 2011, and also created a “super visa” for direct relatives of Canadian citizens or permanent residents traveling to Canada, valid for up to 10 years.
South Korea has opened multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 3–5 years to 16 categories of Chinese professionals, including doctors and lawyers. Australia has also introduced one-year multiple-entry tourist visas and is considering offering even longer-validity options.
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