China’s Tourists Grapple with Uncertainty: Visa Rule Changes Prompt Last-Minute Bookings, Despite Higher Costs

Chinese travelers, cautious about alterations in visa regulations, are increasing last-minute reservations. A poll among Chinese travelers indicates that the majority arrange their travel within a month of their departure, indicating concerns about changes in visa policies and safety.

A significant number of Chinese tourists are planning their journeys less than a month before departing, frequently even closer to their departure date. This trend is indicative of their concerns about abrupt alterations in immigration regulations that might disrupt their previously made arrangements, according to a travel industry body.

According to a poll conducted by China Trading Desk involving 15,000 participants, Subramania Bhatt, the CEO and founder, reported that 73% of individuals tend to finalize their travel plans fairly late, even with the potential for increased costs. Some of these plans are only determined a week or less in advance.

"They must pay attention to alterations in travel regulations," he stated.

The eleventh-hour scheduling indicates ongoing apprehension regarding changes in immigration regulations beyond mainland China in the wake of the pandemic, according to Bhatt. He noted an increase in last-minute reservations, up from the 65% recorded in early 2023.

Bhatt stated that the average time to plan a trip was between 10 to 12 weeks prior to the outbreak of Covid-19. The sudden onset of the pandemic, coupled with erratic changes in international politics, has led to various modifications in visa regulations. Some of these adjustments have facilitated travel, while others have added to the complexity.