Hooray, China is open for business!
Remember how we congratulated travel enthusiasts from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia just two months ago for receiving visa exemptions to enter China? Well, now we have more good news for all our foreign travelers and expats🤩
The Bureau of Immigration Administration of the People’s Republic of China has formally implemented five measures to facilitate the entry of foreigners into China since 11 January 2024 to further clear up the blockages related to the entry of foreigners into China for doing business, studying and traveling:
The 5 new policies
- China has made it easier for foreigners to get visas at ports of entry. If foreigners urgently need to come to China for non-official activities like business, visiting, investing, or dealing with personal affairs and can’t get a visa in time outside China, they can apply for a port visa using an invitation letter and related documents.
Foreigners transiting through nine major Chinese airports, including Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong, for up to 24 hours don’t need to go through border inspections. This rule applies to those in transit to another country with a connecting flight within 24 hours, allowing them to transit without a visa.
Foreigners in China for short visits (for business, tourism, visiting family, or personal reasons) who need to extend their stay can apply for a visa extension or a new visa locally. This is done through the Exit-Entry Administration Agency of the local police office.
Foreigners in China who need to frequently enter or exit the country can apply for multiple-entry visas. They need to present an invitation letter and other necessary documents to the Exit-Entry Administration of Public Security Organs.
The process for applying for visas and related documents in China is now simpler. Foreigners can avoid presenting certain paper documents if their accommodation registration and business information can be verified online. For short-term family visits, a kinship declaration from the inviting person can be used instead of providing proof of kinship.
Get ready for a China adventure
Don’t forget to get yourself a reliable VPN: THE BEST VPNS FOR CHINA 2024
Read my Ultimate China Travel Guide: INSIDER’S ULTIMATE CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE 2024
Plan your trips with my Ultimate Travel Planner: ULTIMATE CHINA TRAVEL PLANNER 2024