EU to make visa rules easier for Chinese visitors

The European Union is proposing to simplify visa rules in an aim to stimulate the economy by wooing global tourists, especially from China, a top EU official has said.

Antonio Tajani, vice-president of the European Commission, said the EU's executive body is presenting proposals for an overhaul of the bloc's visa laws to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, such as cumbersome rules and long wait times.

The proposals include a recast regulation on the current visa code and a regulation establishing a touring visa. The package is expected to be approved by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament as early as next year.