China has announced plans to further refine its visa-free entry policies and modernize immigration services as part of a broader effort to support international travel, business activity, and economic openness.
The announcement was made by Qi Yanjun, Vice Minister of Public Security, who outlined a series of planned immigration and border management reforms aimed at making travel to China more convenient for foreign visitors while continuing to support the country’s broader opening-up strategy.
Visa-Free Programs Set for Further Expansion
Chinese authorities indicated that they will continue refining both visa-free entry and visa-free transit policies.
In recent years, China has introduced a number of measures designed to facilitate international travel, including expanding eligibility for unilateral visa-free entry and broadening access to its transit-without-visa programs.
According to the Ministry of Public Security:
- China currently offers unilateral visa-free entry to nationals of 50 countries.
- Nationals from 55 countries are eligible to use China’s 240-hour visa-free transit program.
- The 240-hour transit policy is available through 65 designated ports of entry.
Officials signaled that visa and residence permit policies may be further adjusted to improve convenience for international travelers and foreign residents.
Push Toward Digital Immigration Services
A key feature of the announced reforms is the continued digitization of immigration and border management services.
Chinese authorities plan to:
- Accelerate the digitization of passports and travel documents.
- Expand electronic processing of border-area travel permits.
- Increase the availability of online immigration services.
- Upgrade digital entry and immigration systems for foreign visitors.
The government says these initiatives are intended to make immigration procedures more efficient and user-friendly.
Expansion of Smart Border Processing
China also plans to expand the use of expedited and “smart” border clearance channels.
The modernization effort is expected to increase the number of travelers able to use automated and technology-driven processing systems at ports of entry, reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience.
Officials stated that additional immigration services may gradually become fully available online as part of the broader digital transformation effort.
Support for Free Trade Zones
The Ministry of Public Security announced that it will continue supporting China’s pilot free trade zones through immigration and public security policy innovation.
According to officials, successful programs piloted in these regions may eventually be extended to eligible provinces in central and western China, supporting regional economic development and international business activity.
Foreign Visitor Numbers Continue to Rise
The latest reforms come amid a significant increase in international arrivals.
According to figures released by China’s National Immigration Administration:
- Foreign nationals recorded more than 17.8 million visa-free entries during the first half of 2026.
- Visa-free entries increased 30.6% year-over-year.
- Visa-free travelers accounted for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals into China during the period.
The figures suggest that Beijing’s efforts to ease entry requirements are contributing to a rebound in international travel, tourism, and business mobility.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
For multinational employers, investors, students, and travelers, the announced reforms signal China’s continued focus on attracting international visitors and facilitating cross-border mobility.
Additional visa-free access, expanded digital services, and streamlined border procedures may reduce administrative burdens for foreign nationals traveling to China for tourism, business, or academic purposes.
While specific policy adjustments have not yet been announced, the government’s latest statements suggest that further immigration facilitation measures may be introduced in the coming months.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.