On November 3, China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced 10 new immigration and exit-entry administration measures. Among these, the following are particularly important for foreign nationals.

■ Increasing the number of ports where individuals eligible for the 24-hour visa-free direct transit may be exempted from immigration inspection procedures

Starting from November 5, 2025, the 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy (without immigration inspection procedures) applies to 10 international airports, including Tianjin Binhai, Dalian Zhoushuizi, Nanjing Lukou, Fuzhou Changle, Qingdao Jiaodong, Wuhan Tianhe, Nanning Wuxu, Haikou Meilan, Chongqing Jiangbei, and Kunming Changshui.

Individuals with international onward tickets, who transit to a third country/region within 24 hours through any of the aforementioned airports without leaving the airport, may be exempted from immigration inspection procedures.

■ Designating five additional ports in Guangdong Province as entry points for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy

Starting from November 5, 2025, five additional ports—Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port, and West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link—serve as entry points for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, increasing the total number of such ports from 60 to 65.

Citizens of 55 eligible countries, with valid international travel documents and onward tickets for a third country/region, may enter visa-free through any of the 65 designated ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities and stay within the allowed areas for up to 240 hours.

During their stays, travelers may engage in tourism, business, visiting, or family-related activities. However, activities such as work, study, or journalism that require prior approval must be carried out with the appropriate visa.

For foreign nationals covered by China's mutual visa exemption agreements or unilateral visa-free policies, the relevant provisions shall prevail.

■ Allowing online completion of the Arrival Card for foreigners

Starting from November 20, 2025, foreigners may fill in their entry information online before arriving in China via NIA's official website, government service platform, or "NIA 12367" App. They may also use relevant WeChat mini-program or Alipay mini-program, or scan the designated QR code for filling out the Arrival Card with their mobile devices.

Foreigners who cannot submit the information online in advance may complete the process upon arrival at the immigration inspection site of a port in China. This can be done by scanning the designated QR code with a mobile phone or using a smart device offered on site, or simply filling in a paper Arrival Card.

Foreigners with the following seven conditions are exempt from completing Arrival Card:

– Holders of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards of the People's Republic of China;

– Non-Chinese nationals holding the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents;

– Holders of group visas or those eligible for visa-free entry as part of groups;

– Foreigners making 24-hour direct transits without leaving the designated port areas;

– Foreigners entering or exiting with the same cruise ship;

– Foreigners using the fast-track entry channels;

– Foreign crew members of exit-entry transport vehicles.

(Source: www.gov.cn)