China's 72-hour visa-free entry programme to expand

China is set to expand its 72-hour visa-free entry programme to boost consumption and provide new impetus to domestic demand, a media report said on Tuesday.

The country will also improve the tax refund policy for foreign visitors and hasten the opening of more duty-free shops in cities included in the visa programme, according to a guide issued on Monday.

However, the guide did not provide further details of how the 72-hour visa-free entry policy will be expanded.

An official with the Bureau of the Exit and Entry Administration under the public security ministry said that the policy has been adopted by 18 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Travellers from 51 countries and regions - including the US, Russia, Britain, France and Japan - can enjoy a 72-hour stay in 18 cities upon entry, provided they have visas for entry to a third country or region and tickets to leave for a third country or region within 72 hours.

Experts and officials in the 18 cities have said that the move will boost international tourism, cultural exchange and commercial and trade cooperation.