The Bahamas and China to Bolster Tourism with Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement

January 10, 2014

China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Xie Hangsheng y Fred Mitchell, Bahamas Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister.

 

Nassau.- China and The Bahamas have made it easier for their citizens to travel to each other’s countries by signing a mutual visa exemption agreement that allows Bahamians and Chinese passport holders 30-day visa free access.

According to Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister, the agreement, which will no affect student or residency permits, will be effective in mid 2014.

“Through the signing of this agreement, our tourism industry, which is the cornerstone of the nation’s economy, will be strengthened. And with this agreement, The Bahamas will join North America, Europe and Australia as one of the top destinations for over 70 million possible Chinese tourists who frequently travel internationally,” said Mitchell.

For China’s Vice Foreign Minister Xie Hangsheng, the agreement would open a door for Chinese visitors and investors in The Bahamas. “Over the years we have enjoyed political mutual trust and very good progress in our business cooperation,” he told reporters.

China has shown interest in The Bahamas and proof of that is the multimillion-dollar Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, a gift from China, the China-invested Baha Mar resort, and the Airport Gateway Project, which was funded by the Export-Import Bank of China.