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Mi Lan could barely contain her excitement when she found out that Thailand had introduced a visa-on-arrival policy for Chinese visitors.

"This is great news for travel enthusiasts like me because I won't be troubled with time-consuming visa procedures and can travel at any time," said the 26-year-old who lives in Beijing.

Thailand is one of 45 countries and regions that have introduced - or are set to introduce - visa exemptions or visa-on-arrival policies for Chinese travelers this year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Under the policy, travelers are allowed to arrive at one of the 45 countries or regions with their valid passports and a return flight ticket. Tian Ye, a senior officer from the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, said the policy "simplifies visa procedures and provides more convenience."

The move is a blessing for individual Chinese tourists, who were previously limited to group tours if they wanted to vacation in countries such as Thailand.

A micro-blogger surnamed Liu wrote on Jan 31 that he went to Beijing Capital International Airport and immediately got a flight to Bangkok. The 29-year-old said he simply showed his passport and flight ticket at the boarding gate and was permitted to pass.

Tian said, "The visa policy, I believe, will, over the long term, bring a higher increase in travelers and may push tour agencies to develop more attractive routes."

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