China: Expanded Visa-Free and Digital Entry Measures Announced

Expansion of talent endorsement measures. 

• China expanded its talent endorsement policy, which facilitates frequent travel between Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR for qualified professionals beyond Beijing, Shanghai, and the Greater Bay Area to include the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and all free trade zones. Eligible professionals (such as scientific, educational, healthcare, legal and cultural talents) may now apply for multiple-entry endorsements valid for one to five years, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit. 

• In addition, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone (HTCZ-SZ) has adopted measures to enhance cross-border mobility, including three-year multiple-entry endorsements, green lanes for research materials, and expedited clearance for urgent travel related to major projects and events. Start-ups may apply for tax-exempt business travel to and from Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR during their first year, while key enterprises in high-tech and advanced manufacturing will receive priority facilitation for cross-border travel. 

• Previously, the talent endorsement policy’s pilot scope was limited and applying for multiple-entry endorsements was less convenient.  

• The expansion of the pilot program to the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and all National Free Trade Zones will make travel between Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR easier for qualified professionals.  

• These measures improve convenience for professionals traveling between Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR, reducing administrative burdens, enabling faster clearance, and supporting greater collaboration across research, business and innovation sectors. 

Expanded endorsement and travel facilitation measures for Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan residents. The government introduced several measures to simplify travel and document processing. 

• Residents of Mainland China visiting family in the Taiwan region may apply for travel endorsements at any exit-entry authority nationwide, removing the need to apply at their registered place of residence. Currently, residents of Mainland China must return to their place of household registration to apply for family visit endorsements, as nationwide processing is not yet available. 

• Residents of Mainland China visiting family in Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR may renew endorsements locally through authorized China Travel Service branches, with applications accepted up to seven business days before expiry. Previously, they had to leave Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR before endorsement expiry, then reapply for a new endorsement.  

• Additionally, the number of ports authorized to issue single-entry Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan Residents will increase from 58 to 100, greatly improving convenience for Taiwan residents entering Mainland China without valid travel documents. Previously, there was a limited number of authorized ports for Taiwan residents to enter Mainland China without a valid travel permit. 

• These updates make family visits and short-term travel across Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR less administratively burdensome and improve flexibility for residents needing to extend or obtain travel documentation. 

Rollout of smart clearance and digital entry systems.  

• China will be expanding the use of facial-recognition exit-entry clearance to 12 major ports and airports, including Shanghai Hongqiao and Xiamen Gaoqi, allowing eligible travelers from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and the Taiwan region to use smart fast lanes for faster border processing. Currently, smart customs clearance systems are not fully implemented at ports, and travelers still relied largely on manual inspections, resulting in reduced efficiency. 

• The “fully online processing” pilot for exit-entry document renewal will be expanded from 20 to 50 cities, allowing residents aged 16 and above to renew or reissue passports and travel permits digitally without visiting an immigration office.  

• These digital enhancements significantly improve clearance efficiency, reduce wait times at ports, and streamline entry procedures for both domestic and foreign travelers. 

Enhanced visa-free transit access and digital travel services. The government has broadened its visa-free transit and online travel document services to improve accessibility and efficiency.  

• The 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy extends to 10 additional international airports, including Tianjin, Wuhan, and Kunming, allowing transiting passengers to remain airside without undergoing immigration checks.  

• Additionally, five new Guangdong ports (including the Hong Kong SAR-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Hengqin) are added to the 240-hour visa-free transit program, increasing the total number of eligible entry points to 65 across 24 provinces. 

• Currently, individuals from 55 countries traveling to a third country (or region) can enter China without a visa through any of the 65 ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers for up to 240 hours.  

• Currently, the scope of applicable ports for 24-hour direct transit without inspection and 240-hour visa-free transit is relatively limited. 

• Additionally, effective November 20, 2025, foreign nationals may pre-fill arrival information online via the National Immigration Administration’s official website or mobile platforms before entering China. Certain groups, such as permanent residents and group visa holders, are exempt from completing arrival cards altogether. Currently, in most cases, foreign nationals still need to fill out paper Arrival Cards on-site or use devices at the port, as online submission has not yet been implemented. 

• These updates make short-term transit and document renewal more convenient, reduce in-person processing requirements, and improve overall travel efficiency for international visitors.