Macao SAR to optimize visa policy for foreign residents traveling to mainland

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will further optimize its visa policy for foreign residents traveling to the Chinese mainland starting from Wednesday, according to a notice released by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao SAR.

Foreign Macao residents who travel to the mainland for short-term tourism, trade, visiting relatives, visits and other activities may apply for multiple-entry visas with a validity period of five years and a stay period of no more than 180 days. 

Foreign Macao residents applying for visas to China are exempt from submitting round-trip air tickets (train tickets and boat tickets) and hotel reservations, according to the notice.

In addition, they may enjoy the policy of "one-time collection and long-term exemption" for fingerprints. Applicants who have had their fingerprints recorded at Chinese overseas visa agencies will no longer need to have their fingerprints collected when applying for a visa.

Macao SAR to optimize visa policy for foreign residents traveling to mainland

Several dozen people are feared dead and around 100 injured Thursday after an explosion at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, local police said.

Those injured in the blast and subsequent fire suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospitals in Sion, capital of Valais canton, as well as in other cities, Valais Canton Police Chief Frederic Gisler said at a press conference.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion, but authorities have ruled out an attack.

Helicopters and ambulances, including some from abroad, rushed to the scene, as the intensive care units and operating rooms of local hospitals are at full capacity, said local officials at the press conference.

Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, has arrived at the scene of the accident.

Dozens dead, 100 injured after explosion in Swiss ski resort Crans-Montana: police