The Chinese government has reinstated visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips.

Japanese people landing at a Shanghai airport on Saturday said they welcomed the return of visa-free entry, which took effect on the day.

China had previously allowed visa-free visits for up to 15 days, before suspending the policy in March 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Beijing says it has doubled the eligible length of stay to 30 days for the convenience of travelers, and that the measure will remain in effect until the end of 2025.

A 56-year-old Japanese national said he travels to China roughly every other month, and the resumption of the visa-exemption policy makes things easier. He said he hopes Japan can build good relations with China.

It remains unclear how much the measure will help raise the number of Japanese visitors to China. The country has been enforcing an anti-espionage law, and fatal incidents have occurred at places where people gather, and some Japanese nationals have been attacked.