China to refine visa-free policy, streamline entry procedures for foreign visitors
Published: July 26, 2026
🤖 AI-generated summary · official source linked below
Last verified: Jul 26, 2026 · Report an issue
Executive Summary
China's Ministry of Public Security announced plans to refine visa-free transit and entry programs, digitize travel documents, and expand smart customs clearance. The measures aim to streamline entry for foreign visitors and support China's opening-up agenda. These changes build on recent expansions of visa-free policies that have already led to a 30% surge in visa-free entries, benefiting foreign travelers and businesses.
Key Points
China will refine visa-free transit and entry programs, including expanding expedited and smart customs clearance channels.
Travel documents such as passports and border-area permits will be digitized to improve ease of use.
Immigration services will gradually shift to fully online processing, with upgraded digital entry services for foreign visitors.
Visa and residence-permit policies will be adjusted further to enhance convenience.
Pilot free trade zones will be supported in experimenting with new public security and immigration management policies, with successful measures extended to central and western provinces.
Currently, China offers unilateral visa-free entry to nationals of 50 countries and a 240-hour visa-free transit program for 55 countries via 65 ports; visa-free entries surged 30.6% year-on-year in the first half of the year.
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📝 Update History
July 26, 2026
The new version adds specific policy details—such as digitizing travel documents, expanding smart-customs channels,