Chinese nationals will be exempt from a tourist and business visitor visa when visiting Peru for up to 180 days, according to a supreme decree issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This surely is a great opportunity to increase inflow of Chinese tourists to the Andean nation, a commitment Promperu has sustained by having a constant presence in the market.
The initiative will come into force 20 days after publication in the official gazette El Peruano. The exemption of visa requirements will apply to all Chinese citizens holding a visa for at least six months or a permanent resident status in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia or any Schengen State.
According to the document, Chinese nationals shall enter Peru visa free for a stay of up to 180 days within a 6-month period, either for a continuous visit or several consecutive visits.
According to Promperu’s 2015 Foreign Visitor Profile, the average state of Chinese tourists in Peru is 10 nights. They spend about US$1,391 each and 73% of them stay at four- and five-star hotels. Their favorite destinations include Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and Loreto.
It should be noted 19,243 Chinese visitors came to Peru last year, a 16% rise from 2014. This way China emerges as the third largest source of Asian tourists to Peru.
This market advanced 25.1% in the first half of 2016, compared to the same period a year before, while Hong Kong saw a 26.9% growth.
(RMB) JJN/JJN/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/2/2016