(Yicai) May 16 -- China has announced an expansion of its visa waiver policy, adding six more countries to the list of exemptions, in a move set to further bolster the nation’s tourism industry.

A reciprocal agreement between China and Uzbekistan will take effect on June 1, allowing visa-free stays of up to 30 days per visit and no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, China’s foreign ministry said yesterday.

The ministry also announced the expansion of visa-free access for passport holders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. In a one-year trial also starting June 1, citizens of these countries can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit, provided they remain for no more than 30 days.

Data from Chinese online travel agency Trip.Com indicates significant inbound tourism potential from these nations, as interest in visiting China had been growing fast even before the latest expansion of the country’s visa-free policy. 

Travel bookings from Argentina have surged 168 percent since the start of this year from a year earlier, while those from Brazil and Chile have seen growth in excess of 80 percent, per the data.

Flights are still problematic, however, with online travel agency Qunar noting that direct connections from São Paulo, Brazil to Beijing are only available in June. Departures from other cities in the country require two to three layovers, with ticket prices starting from CNY6,000 (USD830).

The language barrier also remains an issue, Spring Travel tour guide Chen Junjun told Yicai. "As inbound tourism continues to boom, the language needs among international visitors grow increasingly diverse.

“While English is sufficient in most cases, the rising number of tourists from various places means tourism professionals need better foreign language training. The industry as a whole also needs to recruit more professionals who can speak other tongues,” Chen added.

Editor: Tom Litting