(Yicai Global) June 6 -- Visa applications by Chinese citizens had returned to 35 percent of the amount in 2019 before the pandemic as of May 20, The Paper reported today, citing a visa services agency owned by US private equity giant Blackstone.

Now that international travel curbs are being lifted as Covid-19 wanes, Chinese people’s appetite for overseas travel is increasing, VFS Global said.

Canada, Germany, UK and the US are the most popular destinations for long-distance travel and Japan, South Korea and Thailand are the most sought-after neighboring countries that people want to visit.

Most countries accept visa applications 90 days before the planned departure date and the Schengen Area, which comprise 27 European countries, accepts visa applications up to six months ahead of travel, Dubai- and Zurich-based VFS Global said.

Editor: Kim Taylor