Countries to Offer Visa-Free Entry, Approved Site for China

Source: OT-Team(G),Lao News Agency; 中国侨网

  Laos and Saudi Arabia are gearing up to attract more Chinese tourists with new policies. Laos will offer visa-free entry, while Saudi Arabia grants Approved Destination Status from July 1, 2024. These moves aim to boost tourism and strengthen ties between the countries.

 Lao

  The Lao government is about to announce its free-visa policy for Chinese visitors to promote Visit Laos Year 2024, according to Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Darany Phommavongsa.

  Darany said that the government is expected to confirm the policy by the end of June.

  "The policy will be mainly focused on the travelers that are accompanied by travel agents," Darany said during a Monday group interview with journalists from China and the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

  Apart from the visa exemption for Chinese visitors, more international visitors from targeted markets will benefit from free multiple-entry visas and the extension of stays from 30 to 60 days, Darany said.

Saudi Arabia

  Saudi Arabia has granted China the Approved Destination Status (ADS), starting July 1, 2024.

  The ADS is a key step towards making China the third largest source market for tourists to Saudi Arabia by 2030.

  As part of its preparations, Saudi Arabia has increased direct flights from China, introduced China-specific tourism products, and formed strategic partnerships to improve travel experiences for both groups and individual travellers.

  Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb highlighted that the ADS reflects the Kingdom's commitment to welcoming Chinese tourists and expanding its tourism market.

  He noted that efforts to facilitate travel include visa simplification, more flights, and Mandarin-language services across Saudi tourism sites and digital platforms.

  To attract five million Chinese tourists by 2030, Saudi Arabia has improved air connectivity with new flights from major Chinese airlines, increasing seat capacity by 130 per cent and doubling flight frequency from the previous year.