U.S., China to Ease Visa Restrictions

The United States and China have agreed to a new visa policy that should make it easier for businesspeople to travel both ways. This has been a big headache for U.S. and Chinese firms, on top of restrictions imposed by America after the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Under the policy, to take effect Jan. 15, both sides will offer 12-month multiple-entry business and tourist visas. U.S. embassies and consulates “will begin issuing to otherwise qualified Chinese citizens, who wish to visit the United States temporarily for business or pleasure, visas that are valid for 12 months and multiple entries,” the U.S. Embassy in Beijing said. Americans would enjoy the same privileges on visits to China, it added.

The previous maximum period was six months.