In an effort to boost tourism, the Chinese government has introduced new measures to facilitate entry for visa-on-arrival holders who travel for business, education or tourism purposes.
According to the new measures, which became effective on January 11, 2024, certain categories of travellers will be able to apply for re-entry visas or port visas once they arrive in the country, VisaGuide.World reports.
The first measure introduced by the Chinese government allows foreigners who urgently need to come to China for certain purposes, including here visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, or for personal matters, to apply to the port visa authority. The new change is particularly convenient for those who do not have time to apply for a visa abroad.
Besides that, foreigners transiting from Chinese airports are exempted from examination protocols. This measure is applicable to Bejing Capital Airport as well as Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Baoan, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi’an Xi’an Xianyang.
For inbound and outbound passengers holding international connecting tickets within 24 hours and transiting to a third country or region through any of the above airports, they can skip the border inspection procedures and directly transit without a visa.
The country’s strategy to boost tourism through visa facilitation measures is further concluded with another change, which allows foreigners to apply for visa extension, replacement and reissue at their nearest location.
Those with short-stay visas to China who are visiting for tourism reasons, among others, are able to apply for a visa extension, visa replacement or re-issuance without having to leave the country, provided they have legitimate reasons to extend their stay in the country.
For foreigners needing to enter and exit China multiple times, the option to apply for re-entry visas is now available. This can be done through the public security bureau’s entry-exit management agency, providing the applicant submits an invitation letter and other relevant documents.
The application process for visa documents for foreigners in China has been simplified, enabling those who can have information regarding their accommodation registration records, business licenses, and other information shared through the link, releasing them from having to show up personally to provide such documents.
Additionally, foreigners applying for short-term family visits and reunion visas can substitute the proof of family relations with a declaration of kinship from the inviter.
According to a spokesperson from the National Immigration Administration, these changes come in response to the growing demands from Chinese and foreign companies and personnel and also aim to create a first-class business environment and proactive services.
The new set of measures is part of a wider strategy that China has been implementing in recent months. China has reduced visa fees for travellers from Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Philippines in an effort to stimulate the country’s economy, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the Chinese government now permits visa-free entry for Malaysian citizens, a move that has resulted in success, as more than 1,000 arrivals were recorded on the first day of the measure being implemented.
American nationals are also subject to facilitated visa application rules from China, as they are now exempt from the requirement to submit round-trip air ticket booking records, proof of hotel reservation, itinerary, or invitation letter.