China | New streamlined visa and travel procedures introduced

The National Immigration Initiative (NIA) announced several new immigration and entry-exit management service initiatives to streamline global travel procedures, including an electronic Arrival Card and more entry ports added to the visa-free transit policy.

Key Points:

• Effective Nov. 20, 2025, foreign nationals may complete their Arrival Card electronically prior to entering China.
  • This can be done through the official NIA website, the Government Service Platform, the NIA 12367 mobile application or WeChat and Alipay mini programs accessed via QR code.
• Effective Nov. 5, 2025, ten additional international airports are included in the 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy, allowing eligible travelers with confirmed onward tickets to a third country within 24 hours to transit through any of the identified airports without undergoing immigration inspection procedures, provided they do not leave the airport’s transit area.
• Effective Nov. 5, 2025, five additional entry ports in Guangdong Province are included in the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing citizens of 55 eligible countries to enter China visa-free through any of the designated ports for up to 240 hours (10 days), provided they only engage in tourism or social activities (no employment or study), hold a valid international travel document and have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.