(Yicai) June 13 -- China has added Indonesia to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, bringing the number of eligible countries to 55.

Including Indonesia in this visa exemption list is an important measure in further deepening relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to an official from the National Immigration Administration, which announced the country's addition to the program yesterday.

The move will help expand personnel exchanges between China and Indonesia, promote economic and trade investment cooperation, and positively impact the facilitation of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding among people, the official pointed out.

Citizens from Indonesia, Russia, the United Kingdom, and 52 other nations holding valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets can enter China visa-free through 60 designated ports in 24 provinces and stay in specified areas for up to 10 days.

Visitors can engage in tourism, business, family gatherings, and other short-term activities during their stay. However, work, study, reporting, and other actions that need prior approval still require obtaining an appropriate visa in advance.

The NIA will continue to promote institutional openness in immigration management, continuously improve policies that facilitate entry and exit, and enhance the convenience and accessibility for foreigners traveling and living in China, the official noted.

The number of inbound tourists in China surged 61 percent to 131.9 million last year from the previous year, boosted by visa-waiver schemes, with their spending soaring 78 percent to USD94.2 billion. More than 20.1 million foreign visitors entered without needing a visa, up 112 percent.

Indonesia opened visa-free access to Chinese tourists in 2015. However, in June 2023, the local government revoked this policy for 159 countries and regions, including China, due to considerations including the increase in illegal immigration, heightened burdens related to Covid-19 prevention, and public order concerns.

Chinese tourists have accounted for 9.1 percent of all foreign visitors in Indonesia this year as of April, ranking third behind Malaysia and Australia.

Editor: Martin Kadiev