Australian holidaymakers travelling to Europe or Canada via China are now be able to spend more time in the Asian country visa-free before continuing on to their final destination.
Hoping to build on China’s appeal as a stopover destination, the Chinese government has extended its visa-free period for select countries from 72 hours to 144. Australians were among the nationalities to receive the extension – allowing us to get a taste of the destination for up to six days before flying onwards.
The extension has been in the works since July last year, when Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration’s Vice Chairman, Connie Cheng, told KarryOn, that the city was keen to let Australians visit for longer periods of time on a stopover without having to apply and pay for a visa.
She said it would particularly benefit business travellers who may want to take a few days between trips to explore the country.
“When business travellers visit they have a tight schedule and trying to fit in their conference plus sightseeing in 72 hours can be difficult.”
Connie Cheng, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration Vice Chairman
Travellers – both leisure and business – can arrange for extended independent tours between flights.
Helen Wong welcomes the announcement.
Helen Wong’s Tours’ Managing Director, Helen Wong, welcomed the new saying it was great news for Australian travellers.
“We welcome the extension after the success of the previous 72-hour visa-free stopover.”
Helen Wong, Helen Wong’s Tours MD
The additional visa-free time may see China take more stopover tourists from popular destinations such as Singapore and Korea.
