<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>China is to resume issuing visas to foreign tourists for the first time since the Covid pandemic broke out three years ago.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The major easing of restrictions comes after Beijing declared victory over the virus and retreated from a zero-Covid strategy that has hurt its economy.</div><div><br></div><div>From 15 March, foreign offices can process applications for Chinese visas.</div><div>Visa-free entry will also resume in Hainan Island and Shanghai for cruise ships.</div><div><br></div><div>Tour groups from Hong Kong and Macau will also regain their visa-free privilege.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition, valid visas issued before China closed to the world on 28 March 2020 will be honoured again.</div><div><br></div><div>The removal of the last cross-border restrictions imposed to tackle Covid marks a major step towards the resumption of normal life in post-pandemic China.</div><div><br></div><div>Tens of millions of international visitors came to China each year prior to the pandemic, and its tourism industry has been hard hit by strict anti-Covid measures.</div><div><br></div><div>But the country can expect a significant increase in international arrivals, after it reopens its borders, analysts say.</div><div><br></div><div>Chinese citizens will also be allowed to travel on tour groups to 60 countries, up from 20 previously.</div><div><br></div><div>China said its gross domestic product grew just 3% in 2022, the worst in nearly half a century.</div><div><br></div><div>For the current year, Beijing has set a 5% target with new Premier Li Qiang saying that the world's second largest economy is stabilising and picking up again.</div><div><br></div><div>The zero-Covid policy that was lifted in December sparked rare protests against China's leader, Xi Jinping. Source: BBC</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>