No visa, no entry, what is a Chinese passport worth?

Hoping to increase the worth of a Chinese passport

The Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index is a global ranking of countries according to the extent of travel freedom enjoyed by their citizens. The top index score of 173 means that a Finnish passport holder, for example, may enter 173 countries and territories without a visa. It is an indication of how much room for improvement there is for the Chinese passport.

Good to know that China is making an effort.

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi: "China has set up 35 visa application service centers in 15 countries across the four continents; we will continue to improve the quality of services in the long-term."

China and Thailand agreed on mutual visa-free entry during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Thailand in October last year. As a result, travel between China and Thailand is likely to become much easier. Li has sent out signals inviting bilateral visa exemptions between China and Thailand, saying it will make things much more convenient for Chinese and Thai tourists. Chinese travelers are looking forward to the prospect.

British Culture Secretary Maria Miller launched the China Welcome initiative to make Britain the most welcoming destination in Europe for Chinese visitors last year; the Britain Tourism Bureau is also looking to place more qualified Mandarin-speaking guides and staff in airports, tourist attractions, hotels, and shopping malls, to ensure that Britain competes effectively for the market. "Britain is very much open for business, and this is just the beginning," Maria Miller said.

A draft law prepared by the Russian Foreign Ministry was submitted to the State Duma on January 4 2014, aiming to ratify a Sino-Russian agreement which establishes more favorable conditions for developing and enhancing contacts between the citizens of both countries, primarily for business, science, culture and sports purposes. The agreement stipulates 30 days of visa-free travel for special passports holders in addition to currently enforced visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders.