China Travel Updates
What changed for visitors — entry rules, transport, payments, attractions and events.
- Entry & Visas
New Huanggang Port terminal opens with co-located immigration and faster clearance
The rebuilt Huanggang Port terminal opened at 6:30am on October 12, 2026, replacing the temporary Shenzhen passenger terminal and the Lok Ma Chau Control Point in Hong Kong. Both immigration checkpoints are now housed in the same building, allowing eligible Hong Kong residents and mainland visitors using automated channels to complete both checks with a single document presentation. Authorities estimate overall passenger clearance time could drop from about 30 minutes to 5 minutes, while vehicle clearance could fall from 10 minutes to 2 minutes.
via That's Magazines
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Foreigners in non-hotel accommodation can now register online nationwide
Foreigners staying in private residences or other non-hotel accommodation in China can now complete their mandatory accommodation registration online instead of visiting a police station in person. Registration can be done through the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, or the NIA 12367 WeChat and Alipay mini programs. This nationwide service took effect on September 21, 2026, and offline registration at local public security organs remains available.
via National Immigration Administration
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Foreigners in non-hotel accommodation can now register online nationwide
Foreigners residing or staying in domiciles other than hotels can now complete accommodation registration online through the NIA Government official website, the "NIA 12367" App, the "NIA 12367" WeChat mini program, or the Alipay mini program. The offline channel at local public security organs remains available, and online registration carries the same legal effect as on-site registration. The nationwide rollout began on September 21, 2026.
via National Immigration Administration
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Nationwide online registration for foreigners staying outside hotels launches
Foreigners staying in non-hotel accommodation in China can now complete their mandatory registration online instead of visiting a police station in person. The registration must still be completed within 24 hours of check-in, and can be submitted through the NIA government services website, the "NIA 12367" app, or its WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. The new online option took effect nationwide on September 21, 2026, while in-person registration at local public security authorities remains available.
via National Immigration Administration
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Electronic border permits for Shigatse, Xizang suspended after Gyirong Port mudslide
The National Immigration Administration has suspended issuing electronic border administration area permits for Shigatse City, Xizang Autonomous Region, following a large-scale mudslide on the Nepalese side that caused heavy casualties at Gyirong Port. Travellers who already hold valid electronic permits listing Shigatse as their destination should not travel to the area for now. The suspension takes effect from 00:00 on 28 August 2026, and the resumption date will be announced separately.
via National Immigration Administration
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Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam added to China's 240-hour transit and Hainan visa-free policies
Nationals of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam are now eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy and the 30-day visa-free entry policy for Hainan. Eligible travelers may transit through 65 open ports including Beijing and Shanghai for up to 240 hours, or enter Hainan directly for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visits, and family visits. The change took effect on August 20, 2026.
via National Immigration Administration
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