Hainan Province Entry Rules Relaxed for Certain Nationals

On February 9, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced that, effective immediately, nationals of certain countries can enter Hainan Province visa free for up to 30 days for purposes including commercial activities and trade, visit and exchange, family reunions, receiving medical treatment, attending exhibitions, and taking part in sporting events. The visa free permission excludes long-term work and study.

The eligible countries are as follows: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine.

Foreign nationals who need to enter Hainan for the aforementioned purposes can enter through any open port in the province and remain in the province’s administrative area during their stay period (subject to the relevant provisions of any mutual visa exemption agreement, if applicable).

Each entry period is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the day of entry.

Erickson Insights and Analysis

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.