China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on November 3 the implementation of 10 new immigration and exit-entry administration measures. The following measures 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 international airports.

Individuals with international interline tickets transiting 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 ports 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 Port of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link — are now entry ports for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The number of applicable entry ports for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has been increased from 60 to 65.

Citizens of 55 eligible countries, with valid international travel documents and interline tickets for departing 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-related activities, business-related activities, visits, family visits, and other activities. However, for working, studying, news reporting, and other activities that require prior approval, the corresponding visas should be obtained first.

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

■ Allowing the online filling of the Arrival Cards 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, "NIA 12367" App, or WeChat or Alipay mini-program, or by scanning the QR code on the Arrival Cards with their mobile devices.

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

The following seven categories of foreigners are exempt from completing the Arrival Cards:
– Holders of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards of the People's Republic of China;
– Holders of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese nationals);
– Holders of group visas or those eligible for visa-free entry as part of groups;
– Foreigners making a 24-hour direct transit without leaving the designated port areas;
– Foreigners entering or exiting with the same cruise ship;
– Foreigners using fast-track entry channels;
– Foreign crew members of exit-entry transport vehicles.

(Source: www.gov.cn)