Visa-free entry to Hainan resumed on March 15. The policy, which covers tourists from 59 countries, was implemented in 2018 but had been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic since March 28, 2020. Individuals from qualifying countries can enjoy visa-free entry to Hainan and are entitled to remain in the province for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and participation in exhibitions or sports competitions. Its resumption demonstrates Hainan’s welcome to the world, and the deepening of connections between Hainan and the 59 countries, especially in terms of economy, trade and cultural exchanges, according to the Hainan Bureau of International Economic Development. More foreign companies and projects are expected in the province’s free trade port (FTP).
The third China International Consumer Products Expo will be held in Haikou, capital of Hainan, in April. As a result of the policy, more CEOs from leading global companies, overseas exhibitors and foreign buyers are expected to participate in person, the Bureau said.
“The resumption will improve international accessibility to the Hainan FTP,” said Li Shijie, Dean of the School of Economics at Hainan University. “It will facilitate short stays by foreign visitors and enhance the province’s ability to attract international talent.” Li believes it will also promote inbound tourism, benefit civil aviation, increase consumption and help the province become an international tourism hub. Mai Weiwen, CEO of Hainan Wenhua Tourism Group, said that inbound tourists were mainly from Japan, South Korea, Russia and Southeast Asia. “We’ve already planned offerings for Cambodian, Thai and Vietnamese tour groups, and we are also thinking about catering to tourists from Singapore and Malaysia. We’ll encourage them to experience local customs and culture, including local delicacies,” according to the group’s Wang Tiezhu, as reported by the China Daily.
