China is taking significant steps to simplify cross-border travel, introducing a comprehensive set of 10 new measures designed to enhance mobility for professionals, residents, and international travelers. Announced by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), these policies aim to reduce bureaucratic barriers and promote smoother movement across strategic regions.
The most notable changes center on talent mobility, particularly in key economic zones. The talent endorsement policy, previously confined to Beijing, Shanghai, and the Greater Bay Area, will now expand to include the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regions, and all pilot free trade zones. This expansion means mainland professionals in critical fields such as scientific research, healthcare, education, culture, and law can now obtain multiple-entry endorsements for travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
These endorsements offer remarkable flexibility, with validity periods ranging from one to five years and allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit. An especially innovative provision applies to professionals in the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, who can now apply for three-year, multiple-entry permits without additional talent verification.
Family-related travel is also receiving significant attention. Starting November 5, mainland residents can apply for Taiwan family visit permits at any public security immigration office nationwide, dramatically simplifying the previous process. Similarly, those holding Hong Kong or Macau family visit permits can now renew them through China Travel Service offices in those regions, provided they do so at least seven days before their current authorization expires.
International travelers will benefit from expanded visa-free transit policies. Ten additional airports, including major transportation hubs like Tianjin Binhai, Wuhan Tianhe, and Kunming Changshui, will now offer 24-hour visa-free direct transit. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy will extend to five more entry ports, bringing the total eligible locations to 65, which includes strategic points like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and West Kowloon Station.
Technological innovation is driving administrative streamlining as well. The pilot program for online processing of exit-entry document renewals will grow from 20 to 50 cities, including Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, and Nanjing. Foreign travelers can now file Arrival Cards online through multiple platforms, including the NIA’s official website, Government Service Platform, WeChat, and Alipay mini-programs, by simply scanning a QR code.
These measures reflect a broader strategy to enhance connectivity and reduce friction in cross-border movement. By targeting specific professional sectors, simplifying administrative processes, and leveraging digital technologies, China is creating a more accessible travel environment that supports economic collaboration and talent mobility.
The policies, effective from early November, demonstrate a nuanced approach to immigration management. They balance the need for regulatory oversight with the imperative of facilitating smoother international and inter-regional travel. For professionals, residents, and international travelers alike, these changes promise a more streamlined and efficient cross-border experience.
