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Chinese officials announced the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom’s online visa processing system will launch March 31.
Key Points:
Additional Information: The Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR also separately announced that the China Online Visa Processing System launched for these applicants on March 17. The development of an online visa processing system is designed to improve convenience for applicants, allowing them to upload application materials and track visa processing progress online.
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.
Chinese officials announced special visa facilitation for certain foreign nationals coming to Shanghai for business activities.
Additional Information: The special facilitation measures include exempting visa holders from fingerprint collection, allowing them to bring their spouse and children, and charging them only the fee for a one-year multiple-entry visa.
The Special Visa Invitation Letter application should be completed by the inviting organization on the official website of the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office. Eligible inviting organizations submit a written application to their local authorities or competent departments to be qualified. The Special Visa Invitation Letter should be issued within one week and no fee is charged for the processing.
Chinese officials announced the stay duration for visa-free transit has been extended to 240 hours (10 days).
BAL Analysis: Chinese government officials describe the policy as a relaxation and optimization of their visa-free transit policy that also demonstrates their commitment to promoting a high standard of opening and improved cultural exchange. In addition, the announcement highlights the priority of the government to accelerate cross-border flow, promote international communication and cooperation, and strive for high-quality development of the economy and society.
As BAL reported, the government also recently expanded its visa exemption policy to nine more countries. These efforts showcase a trend focused on immigration management that specifically updates policies to better facilitate entry and exit for immigrants and enhances the convenience for foreign nationals who want to study, work and live in China.
Copyright © 2024 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.
Chinese officials have integrated work permit cards with social security cards, eliminating the need for physical work permit cards.
BAL Analysis: The new system eliminates the need for physical work permit cards for those arriving in China. Authorities are also expanding the functionality of the new electronic social security card. The government hopes the enhancements will create more unified systems and better streamline administrative procedures for foreign nationals. The integration aligns with the global digitalization trend where governments are trying to reduce reliance on physical documentation and digitize immigration processes for additional convenience and efficiency.
Chinese officials announced a visa-free policy expansion to nine more countries as well as updates to the period of stay and scope of permitted activities.
Additional Information: A total of 38 countries are now included within the visa-free arrangement. As BAL reported, China has expanded the visa-free policy significantly this year to increase inbound travel from foreign tourists and drive business in its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Government officials and official news agencies are reporting the ease of visa policies is increasing inbound travel and the number of foreign-invested enterprises.
BAL Analysis: The Chinese government is focusing on new visa-free schemes and enhancing tourism infrastructure to facilitate cross-border travel, increase inbound tourism to further economic development and encourage cultural exchanges. China is enhancing tourism infrastructure through new e-payment systems and reduced fees, simplified procedures and faster border entry services.
Chinese officials announced the expansion of the country’s visa-free policy to nationals of Andorra, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Slovakia and South Korea.
Additional Information: As BAL reported, the Chinese government has introduced various measures recently to increase inbound travel from foreign tourists and drive business in its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including expanding the list of countries eligible for visa-free travel.
Chinese officials announced the expansion of its visa-free policy to nationals of Denmark, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal and Slovenia.
Background: The Chinese government has introduced various measures recently to increase inbound travel from foreign tourists and drive business in its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As BAL previously reported, earlier this year tourists from Australia, New Zealand and Poland were also granted unrestricted entry to China until the end of 2025.
BAL Analysis: Visitors from 18 European countries can now visit China visa-free. The government is focusing on new visa-free schemes and enhancing tourism infrastructure to facilitate cross-border travel, increase inbound tourism to further economic development and encourage cultural exchanges.
Chinese embassies announced an extension of the policy exempting fingerprint collection for certain visa categories until Dec. 31, 2025.
Additional Information: Previously, travelers ages 14-70 have been required to submit fingerprints when applying for a visa to China. To simplify travel, China temporarily suspended the collection of fingerprints for applicants for certain visa categories a year ago. Applicants for long-stay visas — such as family reunification (Q1), family visit (S1) or study (X1) — as well as applicants for multiple-entry visas — such as business visas — will still be required to go to a Chinese embassy, consulate or visa center to have their fingerprints collected when submitting their visa application.
Chinese officials announced that non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macao SARs are now eligible to apply for mainland travel permits.
Additional Information: The mainland travel permit allows individuals to enter and exit mainland China multiple times within a five-year validity period, with each stay not exceeding 90 days. The permit does not allow for work or study permission, but holders who have submitted their fingerprints at exit-entry ports may use fast lanes to enter and exit mainland China.
Chinese officials announced the expansion of the country’s visa-free policy to nationals of Australia, New Zealand and Poland.
Background: The Chinese government has introduced various measures recently to increase inbound travel from foreign tourists and drive business in its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese officials recently announced the extension of its visa-free policy through Dec. 31, 2025, for 12 additional countries.
BAL Analysis: The government is focusing on new visa-free schemes and enhancing tourism infrastructure to facilitate cross-border travel, increase inbound tourism to further economic development and encourage cultural exchanges.