In our spotlight on APAC series, we round up the latest developments across the region. In this post, we capture the new guidelines in China where the country announced its efforts to strengthen relationships between Mainland China, special administrative region (SAR) Hong Kong, and overseas countries by further introducing its talent endorsement and visa-free transit policies. Initiated by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), the new measures on exit-entry administration, intended to improve inbound travel and transit for foreign travellers.
Key Changes
- From 5 November 2025, the 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy has been extended to ten other international airports (Tianjin Binhai, Dalian Zhoushuizi, Nanjing Lukou, Fuzhou Changle, Qingdao Jiaodong, Wuhan Tianhe, Nanning Wuxu, Haikou Meilan, Chongqing Jiangbei, Kunming Changshui)
- The 240-hour (10 day) visa-free transit scheme has been extended in terms of entry ports: five additional ports in Guangdong Province (Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port, West Kowloon Station Port of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link) making a total of 65 eligible ports across 24 provinces/regions. Furthermore, travellers from 55 eligible countries may use these ports for up to 240 hours without a visa (when transiting to a third country/region).
- Effective from 20 November 2025, foreign travellers can fill in their “Arrival Card” information online before arrival via NIA’s official website, government service platform, “NIA 12367” App, or WeChat/Alipay mini programs. For those travellers who are unable to fill ahead, they can complete the process upon arrival by using the on-site kiosks/scanning options remain as fallback. There are some exemptions for completing the arrival card: e.g., holders of Chinese permanent residence ID, Mainland Travel Permits for HK/Macao residents (non-Chinese nationals), group-visa holders, 24-hour direct transit travellers, same-cruise ship travellers, crew members.
- Extension of existing unilateral visa-exemption arrangements: For more than 40 countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain), the visa-free access period has been extended to 31 December 2026. Additionally, Sweden will also be added to the visa-free scheme from 10 November 2025 until 31 December 2026. Under the new policy, travellers from the relevant countries may enter China without a visa for the purposes of tourism, business, family/friend visits, exchanges or transit, which a stay of no more than 30 days per visit.
In recent years, the Chinese government has prioritised policies and continuously streamlining its immigration/entry regime for foreign travellers. With more ports being expanded, extended transit-time allowances, implementing digital arrival card, and extended visa-free country lists, this may reduce administrative paperwork, increase flexibility and mobility which can boost international exchanges, tourism numbers, and regional connectivity (especially around the Guangdong/Hong Kong/Macao area). However, travellers must stay within specified areas for visa-free transit and may possibly engage in tourism, business, visiting, family visits, and other activities. Existing visa requirements for work, study, and news reporting stay unchanged, and travellers must seek prior approval to partake in such activities.
For more information or any assistance you require pertaining to the above-mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel.ang@magrath.sg or Royston@magrath.sg.
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