Visa policy 'not designed to deter visitors'

The recent changes to China's visa policy is aimed at ensuring a safe environment for the Olympics and not to limit foreign visitors, a senior Foreign Ministry official said.

The application procedure for Chinese visas was changed in late April. Under the new arrangements, applicants for business and tourist visas are required to provide invitation letters, round-trip airline tickets and proof of hotel bookings.

"The purpose is to guarantee the Beijing Olympics is held safely," Wei Wei, director-general of the ministry's consular department, said on Monday.