In a bid to boost international mobility, China’s National Immigration Administration has introduced five new measures to make entry easier for foreign nationals. Starting January 11, 2024, these changes are designed to streamline the process for foreigners visiting China for business, study, or tourism. Here’s a closer look at the key updates and what they mean for travelers.

1. Relaxed Port Visa Requirements for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals who need a visa urgently for non-diplomatic activities—such as business, investment, visiting family, or tourism—can now apply for a port visa upon entry. This measure allows travelers to apply directly at the point of entry, provided they have relevant supporting documents, including an invitation letter.

This move is especially beneficial for those who need to enter China quickly without the traditional visa processing times, making it easier to handle last-minute business or personal trips.

2. 24-Hour Transit Without Border Inspection

Travelers transiting through key international airports in China can now stay for up to 24 hours without undergoing immigration checks. This policy applies to the following airports:

• 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

This means travelers with connecting international flights can transit through these airports without needing a visa or border inspection, as long as they stay within the airport for no more than 24 hours. If they wish to leave the airport, however, they must apply for a transit temporary entry permit. The required documents for this are a valid international travel document, a connecting flight ticket to a third country or region, and a completed temporary entry and exit card.

However, there are restrictions: if the travel document has less than three months of validity, has been stamped with Chinese visa rejections, or shows illegal entry or employment records within the past five years, the entry permit will not be issued.

3. Simplified Visa Extension and Renewal Process

Foreign nationals already in China can now apply for visa extensions, renewals, or reissues at the local exit-entry administration of the public security authorities. This is particularly beneficial for short-term visitors, such as those in China for business or tourism who need to extend their stay without going through complicated paperwork or multiple steps.

4. Multiple Entry and Exit Visa Applications

Foreign nationals requiring multiple entries and exits to China can now apply for a multiple-entry visa. To do so, they must submit an invitation letter and other required documents to the exit-entry administration. This facilitates more flexible travel for businesspeople or individuals who need to frequently visit China.

5. Simplified Visa Application Materials

To streamline the visa application process, foreign nationals applying for visa documents in China can now be exempt from providing certain paper materials. For example, if the applicant’s accommodation registration and business license can be accessed through information-sharing platforms, these documents will no longer need to be provided. For short-term family reunion visas, a simple statement declaring the family relationship from the inviter will suffice instead of requiring official relationship certificates.

Permanent Residents in China Enjoy More Benefits

Foreign nationals with permanent residency in China, now holding the updated Permanent Residency ID issued last year, can enjoy enhanced access to public services and financial transactions. These residents can easily conduct financial operations, including banking, securities, and foreign exchange.

Additionally, permanent residents can now:

• Purchase plane and train tickets

• Check in at hotels

• Conduct transactions on platforms like Alipay, WeChat, and JD

• Access various government services more efficiently

These measures significantly improve the quality of life for foreign nationals living in China, providing them with greater convenience in daily activities.

How Gomax Can Help

At Gomax, we specialize in assisting foreigners and businesses with navigating the evolving immigration and business regulations in China. Whether you are planning a short-term visit, applying for a long-term stay, or expanding your business in China, our team is here to offer expert advice and support tailored to your needs.

Contact Gomax today to learn more about how we can help you navigate the new immigration policies and make your experience in China seamless and hassle-free.

Contact Gomax

📧 Email us: info@gomaxgroup.com