As part of efforts to open up and boost its economy, Hainan province will begin offering visa-free entry to tourists from 59 countries starting next month.
Effective May 1, visitors from the following countries can visit Hainan without a visa for up to 30 days (provided they book their trip through accredited travel agencies):
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States.
Previously, Hainan had 15- and 21-day visa waiver policies for visitors from 26 countries, with the only requirement being that they traveled in groups.
The move comes on the heels of major reforms for the tropical island province, dubbed 'China's Hawaii.' Earlier this month, government leaders unveiled ambitious plans to develop the entire island into a pilot international free trade zone.
The government also announced it would support horse racing and other recreational projects. Experts say this indicates legalized gambling may soon follow.
Hainan hopes to attract as many as 1.2 million foreign tourists by 2020.
[Top image via Flickr]
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