Chinese can now apply for a 10-year multiple entry visa to Israel for business or tourism purposes.

The new visa allows for multiple visits, of up to 90 days each, within the passport's validity.

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Israel has been rising steadily over the past few years.  The Israeli Tourism Ministry puts the number at more than 47-thousand in 2015.  That's 43 percent more than in 2014. The first half of 2016 saw a 45 percent visitor increase compared with 2015.

Reports say more countries are easing tourist visa requrements for Chinese.  Besides Israel, China also has 10-year multiple entry visa agreements with the US and Canada.