Five New Initiatives to Ease Entry
The latest series of measures introduced by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) have further simplified the entry requirements for international travelers, including the visa application process.
As of 11 January 2024, NIA held a press conference to introduce five measures to facilitate foreigners’ visits to China. These measures will be implemented from 11 January 2024.
The objective of these measures is to streamline the entry process for foreign nationals, fostering ease of travel for purposes such as business, education, and tourism. This initiative aligns with China’s broader strategy of promoting openness and international engagement.
Five New Initiatives
- Relaxed Visa-Upon-Arrival Requirements
Relax the requirements for foreigners coming to China to apply for visas at ports of entry.
For foreign personnel who urgently need to come to China for non-diplomatic or official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and handling personal affairs, if they cannot complete their visas overseas in time, they can apply for a port visa from the port visa authority with relevant proof materials such as invitation letters before entering China.
- Foreigners Now Exempt from Border Inspection
Foreigners are exempt from inspection procedures when directly crossing the border at 9 hub airports for 24 hours.
| Beijing | Capital Airport |
| Beijing | Daxing Airport |
| Shanghai | Pudong Airport |
| Hangzhou | Xiaoshan Airport |
| Xiamen | Gaoqi Airport |
| Guangzhou | Baiyun Airport |
| Shenzhen | Bao’an Airport |
| Chengdu | Tianfu Airport |
| Xi’an | Xianyang Airport |
At the above 9 international airports, 24-hour direct transit passengers are exempt from border inspection procedures.
For inbound and outbound passengers who hold international connecting tickets within 24 hours and transit through any of the above-mentioned airports to a third country or region, they are exempt from border inspection procedures and can directly pass through without a visa.
- Foreigners Can Apply for Visa Extension IN-COUNTRY!
Foreigners in China can apply for visa extension, replacement, and re-issuance nearby.
Foreigners who come to China for short-term non-diplomatic or official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment, and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, sightseeing and tourism, and handling personal affairs, and have legitimate and reasonable reasons to continue staying in China, may apply for visa extension, replacement, and re-issuance from the nearest public security exit and entry management agency in the place of stay.
- Easier Multiple-entry Visas
Foreigners in China need to enter and exit multiple times to apply for re-entry visas.
Foreign nationals in China who need to enter and exit the country multiple times due to legitimate and reasonable reasons may apply to the public security exit and entry management agency for a valid multiple entry visa with relevant proof materials such as invitation letters.
- Simplified Visa Procedures
Simplify the application materials for visas and documents for foreigners in China.
When applying for visa documents, foreigners who can query their accommodation registration records, business licenses, and other information through information sharing can be exempted from inspection of relevant paper certification materials; Foreigners in China who apply for short-term family visits and reunion visas may invite a declaration of family relationship instead of a proof of family relationship.
The Chinese government continues to ramp up measures to boost people-to-people exchange since reopening country borders in early 2023, in a bid to promote consumption and support economic recovery. With economic growth still one of China’s top priorities for 2024, as revealed in the Central Economic Work Conference, more visa and travel facilitation measures can be expected, to further improve the countries’ business environment and attract more inbound travelers and investment.
For more news on immigration-related policies and the specifics of the process, you can visit the official immigration website or call for more information. Depending on each person’s situation may be different, it is recommended to prepare before finalizing the journey.
If you need help, please feel free to contact us.
