New Entry Measures
[Photo via VCG]
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has officially implemented five measures on January 11, aimed at simplifying the process for foreign nationals seeking to visit China. The measures are designed to make business activities, education, and tours in China more accessible for foreign nationals.
Overview of the Measures
1.The first measure has relaxed conditions for foreign nationals applying for port visas. Any individual seeking to visit China for non-diplomatic, official business activities, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, private affairs, or to visit relatives and unable to obtain a visa beforehand due to time constraints may now apply for a port visa at a port visa authority with an invitation letter and other accompanying documents.
2.The second measure relieves foreign nationals eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit at major hub airports from the need to undergo inspection procedures. Foreign nationals eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit policy are exempt from border inspection at nine international airports in China:
Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
Individuals with international interline tickets transiting to third countries and regions within 24 hours through any of the aforementioned airports may enjoy visa-free direct transit without border inspection procedures.
3.The third measure allows foreign nationals already in China to apply for visa extension, renewal, and reissuance at the nearest public security organs. Individuals in China for short-term non-diplomatic, official business activities, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, private matters, tourism, or to visit relatives with legitimate reasons for extending their stays may now submit applications to the nearest exit-entry administrations of the public security organs located in the places where they stay.
4.The fourth measure allows every foreign national already in China to apply for a multiple-entry visa in cases of need. Each foreigner already in China requiring a multiple-entry visa for legitimate reasons may now apply to an exit-entry administration of a public security organ with an invitation letter and other accompanying documents.
5.The fifth one minimizes the types of the materials for visa applications for foreign nationals in China. Foreign nationals whose accommodation registration records, business licenses, and other information can be checked through the shared information systems are now exempt from having to present the physical certificates when applying for visas. Also, when applying for a visa for short-term family visits or reunions with relatives in China, a declaration of kinship may be used in place of the formal kinship certificate.
