China will begin issuing visas to South Koreans again on Saturday, ending a Covid-19 related row between the two countries

Beijing halted short-term visas for South Koreans back in January after Seoul had put restrictions on travellers from China, due to concerns over possible new coronavirus variants.

That move angered Beijing who suspended short-term visas for South Koreans in retaliations.

It ignited a travel related row between the two countries which has lasted for several weeks.

However, from Saturday that spat will finally come to a close with Beijing to resume issuing short-term visas for South Korean nationals.

It follows Seoul’s decision to end their own restrictions on arrivals from China.

Beijing was involved in a similar disagreement with Japan, which has now also been concluded on both sides.

China’s decision to end years of pandemic restrictions is allowing for a resumption of overseas travel for Chinese citizens.

Just last week – overseas group tours were restarted to 20 countries including the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.

That coincides with data from Chinese health authorities that the huge reopening wave of infections has now subsided.

There’s also no evidence that the rapid spread of the virus across China has led to the emergence of new variants that could threaten the current coronavirus vaccines and treatments.