72-hour Visa-free scheme may be expanded

China may expand its 72-hour visa-free policy for foreigners in a bid to boost the country`s tourism.

Authorities are mulling over measures to speed up visa processing and will gradually optimize visa-free stays for international transit passengers, the State Council said in a guideline yesterday.

The policy is already in place for foreign visitors to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Guilin and Xi`an.

China hopes expanding the program will help bolster tourism from Asia, central and eastern Europe and Africa.

The State Council said it also aims to make it easier for foreign-funded travel agencies to get business certificates from local tourism authorities.

The authorities hope preferential policies will attract more foreign tourists.