The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has officially enacted five measures on January 11th with the aim of simplifying the process for foreign individuals wishing to visit China. These measures have been devised to enhance accessibility for foreign nationals engaging in business activities, pursuing education, or embarking on tours within China. The overarching goal is to eliminate obstacles related to conducting business, studying, and traveling in China, thereby aligning with China’s commitment to high-level openness and superior development standards.
Streamlined Conditions for Port Visas
Foreign individuals planning to visit China for non-diplomatic, official business activities, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, private matters, or to visit relatives who are unable to obtain a visa in advance due to time constraints may now apply for a port visa at a designated port visa authority, provided they have an invitation letter and other required documents.
24-Hour Visa-free Transit for Foreigners
Foreign nationals eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit policy are exempt from border inspection at nine international airports in China. These airports include Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport.
Individuals holding international interline tickets transiting to third countries and regions within 24 hours via any of the aforementioned airports may enjoy visa-free direct transit without undergoing border inspection procedures.
In-country Visa Extensions for Foreigners
Foreign individuals in China for short-term non-diplomatic, official business activities, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, private matters, tourism, or to visit relatives, who have legitimate reasons for extending their stays, may now submit applications to the nearest exit-entry administrations of the public security organs situated in their respective locations.
Simplified Procedures for Multiple Entry Visas
Foreigners already in China who require a multiple-entry visa for legitimate reasons may now apply to an exit-entry administration of a public security organ, providing an invitation letter and other necessary documents.
Streamlined Visa Application
Foreign nationals whose accommodation registration records, business licenses, and other relevant information can be verified through shared information systems are now exempt from the requirement to present physical certificates when applying for visas. Moreover, when applying for a visa for short-term family visits or reunions with relatives in China, a declaration of kinship may be used as a substitute for the formal kinship certificate.
Additional Information:
An official from the NIA has explained that as China’s economy continues to recover and grow, and the country embraces greater openness, new demands are arising from both domestic and overseas enterprises and individuals. Consequently, immigration management services need to evolve in response to these changes. Presently, the NIA is actively pursuing institutional openness, contributing to the creation of a world-class business environment, and proactively serving and supporting the development of a new growth paradigm.
