China's National Immigration Administration has officially introduced five measures to streamline the entry process for foreign nationals, effective from Jan 11. These policies aim to better serve and ensure the smooth implementation of China's opening-up to the outside world.

First measure

Relaxing the conditions for applying for port visas for foreign nationals coming to China is the first measure. For foreign individuals urgently engaged in non-diplomatic and non-official activities such as business cooperation, visits, investment and entrepreneurship, and handling personal affairs, who are unable to obtain a visa overseas in time, they can apply for port visas at the port visa office with relevant proof materials such as an invitation letter.

Second measure

The second measure allows foreign nationals to transit through key hub airports without undergoing inspection procedures for up to 24 hours. This policy is applicable to foreign individuals at nine international airports, including Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi'an Xianyang. For transit passengers holding international connecting flight tickets within 24 hours and traveling to a third country or region through any of the mentioned airports, immigration procedures can be waived, allowing direct transit without a visa.

Third measure

Foreign natonals in China for short-term visiting, involved in non-diplomatic and non-official activities such as business collaboration, visiting and investment, may apply an extension or replacement of their visa from the local public security exit-entry administration if they possess legitimate and reasonable reasons for prolonging their stay in China.

Fourth measure

The measure enables foreign nationals in China requiring multiple entries and exits to apply for a multiple-entry visa. Foreign individuals in China with legitimate reasons requiring multiple entries and exits can apply for a multiple-entry visa by providing relevant proof documents such as an invitation letter to the exit-entry administration.

Fifth measure

The fifth measure simplifies the documents for visa application for foreign nationals in China. When applying for visas, foreign individuals can be exempted from verifying relevant paper documents if their accommodation registration records and business licenses can be accessed through information sharing. For foreign nationals in China applying for short-term family reunion visas, a declaration of family relationship by the inviter can substitute for proof of family relationship.