China Southern Airlines, the largest airline in the People’s Republic of China, which operates daily flights from Dubai to Guangzhou province of China, a business hub for many tourists and business travelers from the Middle East, has announced a 72-hour free transit visa to travelers from 45 countries including the UAE.
While the 45 countries from Europe, America and Oceana region are listed, passengers from Qatar and the UAE will get the benefit of the new 72-hour free transit visa to the Chinese business city.
Announcing the details of the scheme intended to lure the business and leisure travelers from the Gulf region and other parts of the world, to stay in the Chinese city of Guangzhou, the Airline officials said many UAE nationals who go for vacation to the South East Asian Countries can spend two days in the Chinese province, without incurring additional burden of visa charges.
“There is daily flights from Dubai to China and many business passengers going to long haul destinations like the USA, or the Philippines or Thailand can break their travel in Guangzhou province of China, the headquarters of the airline and a business hub.
“With this new scheme, Guangzhou joined Beijing and Shanghai as 72-hour border visa-free cities in China. Apart from half a million Chinese expatriates working and doing business in the UAE, there is a regular flow of businessmen and cargo in either way, and Chinese tourists throng the UAE during the Chinese New Year, the Dubai Shopping Festival and other special occasions,” said Li Xiang, General Manager, Middle East region, China Southern Airlines.
Passengers with confirmed tickets and seats and visa to a third destination will be eligible to get the two-day break in China.
“A lot of UAE families and businessmen who travel by our airline to other countries will be able to stay in China for two days and then proceed to the next destination. Every summer period, there is huge flow of UAE nationals to other holiday destinations, especially Malaysia, Thailand, Bangkok and the Philippines,” said Raymond Kassad, Assistant Sales Manager of the airline in the Middle East.