China expedites entry of foreign nationals with 5 new measures
CHINA has put into effect a set of measures to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into China for business, education and tourism, the National Immigration Administration said yesterday.
The new measures, effective from yesterday, include a relaxation of port visa application requirements and access to visa extension, replacement, and issuance services at local immigration departments for foreign nationals coming to or staying in China for non-diplomatic and non-official purposes such as commercial cooperation, exchanges, investment, entrepreneurship, visiting relatives and personal matters.
Foreigners can transit through nine designated international airports in China without going through immigration procedures for up to 24 hours, said the NIA, adding travelers with international connecting flights within 24 hours can transit through any of these airports to a third country or region without going through immigration procedures and enjoy visa-free transit.
Foreigners who are in China for a short period of time to engage in non-diplomatic and official activities can apply for a visa extension or replacement from the local exit and entry bureaus if they have legitimate and reasonable reasons to continue staying in China, according to the administration.
Foreigners who need to enter and exit the country multiple times for legitimate reasons can apply for a multiple-entry visa and the documents needed for application will also be reduced, it said.
For visa applications, foreigners can now be exempted from presenting certain paper documents if their accommodation registration and business license information can be verified through shared information systems. Additionally, foreigners applying for short-term family visit visas can replace family relationship proof with a declaration of family relationship by the inviting person.
The administration noted that the above measures were a response to growing demand for enhanced immigration management services from both domestic and foreign enterprises and individuals as China’s economy continues to recover.
The NIA “is actively coordinating with relevant departments to focus on business, study, and travel needs of foreigners in China. All relevant authorities aim to continue immigration service reforms, create new policy innovations, and accelerate opening-up, contributing to a first-class business environment and supporting the development of new economic opportunities.”
(Agencies)