BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A tax refund scheme for overseas visitors has been expanded to the central China province of Henan to boost inbound tourism and consumption.

Overseas visitors can enjoy value-added tax (VAT) rebates in Henan from March 1, the Ministry of Finance said Thursday.

China piloted the program in Hainan Province in 2011 and decided in 2015 to expand it.

Several cities and provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, have been included in the program so far.

Overseas visitors who have lived on the mainland for no more than 183 days are eligible for an 11 percent VAT rebate on consumer goods purchased at designated department stores.

The minimum purchase is 500 yuan (73 U.S. dollars) in any one store in a day. The refund is valid when the purchase is made within 90 days before departure and the products remain unused upon departure.