Can foreigners apply for tourist visas in 2023?

As of March 2023, foreigners cannot apply for tourist visas.

Although China has announced that travel after January 8, 2023 will be quarantine-free, tourist visas are still suspended and inbound travel to China is still not feasible. There are now three ways for foreigners to enter China. One is to hold a valid Chinese residence permit for work, study, personal affairs or reunion; the other is to hold a diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visa; the third is to hold a valid APEC business card .

China has restarted its visa-free policy from January 8, 2023, which means that if you are eligible for the visa-free transit policy, you can travel to China without applying for a new visa. Regarding the tourist visa or the 10-year tourist visa, it is expected that it may be available around May before the 2023 summer vacation.

Characteristics of tourist visa

Tourist visa is a type of visa. It is generally a quick visa application method established to facilitate tourists and develop tourism resources. Correspondingly, the restrictions are also great. Generally speaking, the validity period and stay period are short, and it can only be used to engage in tourism-related activities. With the development of world globalization and the continuous advancement of transportation technology, the world tourism market continues to grow.

It is foreseeable that tourist visas have become more common and convenient, becoming another major form of visa. Many countries specifically issue tourist visas to visiting tourists in order to promote local tourism. The period of stay for a tourist visa is generally 30 days, with a maximum of 90 days, and generally cannot be extended. Those holding a tourist visa cannot work locally or engage in activities unrelated to tourism. A group tourist visa is a type of tourist visa. Tourists must travel to and from the country as a group.