China Opens Doors: Eases Visa Rules for Foreign Visitors

China has made significant strides in relaxing its visa issuance conditions and procedures, responding to the concerns voiced by international businesses and individuals planning to engage in activities within the country.

As reported by China Central TV (CCTV), on the 11th, the Chinese National Immigration Agency unveiled five measures to streamline immigration procedures for foreigners during a press conference organized by the State Council’s Press and Publication Office.

The initial measure among the five focuses on broadening the criteria for issuing arrival visas (known as “口岸簽證” or port visas). Traditionally, foreigners were required to secure a visa from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a consulate, or other overseas institutions endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to gain entry into China. However, if they meet the conditions specified by the State Council, they can now obtain an arrival visa at Chinese airports and ports.

The State Council has established 11 specific conditions to qualify for these relaxed visa provisions, which encompass scenarios such as extending visas temporarily after acquiring a group visa, engaging in group travel through Hong Kong and Macao travel agencies, providing technical advice at China’s request, and entering into official business contracts.

However, due to the expanded conditions, even for non-diplomatic and official purposes like business collaboration, exchange visits, launching investments, visiting family, and handling personal matters, individuals in urgent need of travel to China can now secure an arrival visa by presenting an invitation letter and other pertinent documents.

Furthermore, travelers arriving at designated Chinese hub airports in transit or departing within 24 hours are exempt from undergoing separate departure procedures and inspections. The applicable airports for this convenience include Beijing Shoudu Airport and Daxing Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Baoan Airport, Chengdu Tianfu Airport, and Xi’an Xianyang Airport.

Additionally, suppose there arises a legitimate need to extend one’s stay while in China for non-diplomatic and official purposes, such as engaging in business cooperation, participating in exchange programs, launching investment initiatives, visiting family, tourism, or addressing personal matters. In that case, individuals can apply for a visa extension at the immigration office of the local public security agency.

Moreover, when foreign nationals in China apply for a visa, they can forego the need to print and submit separate documents, such as lodging records and business licenses, if the information can be verified electronically. Furthermore, for those applying for short-term family-invitation visas, the family relationship certificate can be replaced with a family relationship statement from the inviter.

Deputy Director Liu Haitao of the National Immigration Administration explained the rationale behind this policy, stating, “As China’s economy and society continue to recover and improve, the level of openness to the outside world has steadily expanded, reflecting the growing demand for enhanced immigration services from overseas companies and individuals.”