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Longer visas for Chinese could spur US tourism

FILE - In this March 3, 2005, file photo, a Chinese paramilitary police guard checks the documents of visa seekers outside the U.S. embassy in Beijing before letting them in. Chinese tourists, already among the fastest-growing and highest-spending groups of international visitors to the United States, are poised to make an even bigger impact, thanks to a rule change that would allow visitors to get visas valid for 10 years. (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File)
FILE - In this March 3, 2005, file photo, a Chinese paramilitary police guard checks the documents of visa seekers outside the U.S. embassy in Beijing before letting them in. Chinese tourists, already among the fastest-growing and highest-spending groups of international visitors to the United States, are poised to make an even bigger impact, thanks to a rule change that would allow visitors to get visas valid for 10 years. (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File) FILE - In this March 3, 2005, file photo, a Chinese paramilitary police guard checks the documents of visa seekers outside the U.S. embassy in Beijing before letting them in. Chinese tourists, already among the fastest-growing and highest-spending groups of international visitors to the United States, are poised to make an even bigger impact, thanks to a rule change that would allow visitors to get visas valid for 10 years. (AP Photo/Greg Baker, File)

By Associated Press 4 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – A rule change allowing Chinese visitors to return to the U.S. multiple times over a 10-year period is being hailed as a boon to American tourism, with the federal government predicting the economic impact could be $85 billion by 2021.

Chinese visitors are already familiar faces in major U.S. destinations such as New York City, San Francisco and Las Vegas, but other parts of the country could also see some a boost.

“One simple decision like this … is going to reap tremendous benefits to the country,” said Chris Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for marketing the United States as a travel destination.

The U.S. and China jointly announced the change last week at a conference of world leaders in Beijing, and it has already gone into effect. Business and short-term visas that currently expire after one year will now be valid for 10 years, while student and cultural exchange visas will last for five.

Obtaining a U.S. visa involves waiting in long lines at a consulate during the work day, passing an interview and then waiting at least three days, a process that won’t change under the new rules.