Beijing Visa Policies

Visa Facilitation Measures
Effective from January 11, 2024, the State Immigration Administration officially implemented five measures to facilitate foreign nationals coming to China. These measures aim to further address obstacles faced by foreign nationals in conducting business, studying, traveling, and other activities in China, better serving and safeguarding the high-level opening-up policy, and promoting high-quality development.

The measures include:

1.Easing the conditions for foreign nationals to apply for port visas in China:
Foreign nationals who urgently need to come to China for non-diplomatic or official activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, and handling personal affairs, but are unable to obtain visas outside China in time, may apply for port visas at port visa authorities based on invitation letters and other relevant proof materials.

2.Exemption from inspection procedures for direct transit through Beijing and other hub airports within 24 hours for foreign nationals:
At nine international airports, including Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi'an Xianyang, the exemption from border inspection procedures for direct transit passengers within 24 hours is implemented. Foreign travelers holding international connecting flights within 24 hours and transiting through any of the above airports to a third country or region may be exempted from border inspection procedures and granted visa-free transit.

3.Foreign nationals in China may apply for visa extension, renewal, or replacement nearby:
Foreign nationals who have come to China for short-term activities such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, tourism, and handling personal affairs, and have legitimate reasons to continue their stay in China, may apply for visa extension, renewal, or replacement at the nearest public security organ's exit and entry administration based on their location.

4.Foreign nationals in China may apply for re-entry visas for multiple entries and exits:
Foreign nationals in China who need to enter and exit China multiple times for legitimate reasons may apply for the renewal of multiple-entry visas to the public security organ's exit and entry administration based on invitation letters and other relevant proof materials.

5.Simplifying the application materials for visas and permits for foreign nationals in China:
When applying for visas and permits, foreign nationals may be exempted from submitting relevant paper proof materials, such as accommodation registration records and business licenses, if such information can be queried through information sharing. Foreign nationals in China applying for short-term family visit visas may use a statement of kinship from the inviter instead of a kinship certificate.

Unilateral Visa-Free Entry Policy
Effective from December 1, 2023, China implemented a unilateral visa-free entry policy for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. This policy further facilitates these citizens in traveling to China for tourism, business, and other activities.

Precautions
Visa policies may be adjusted according to international situations and domestic needs. Foreign nationals are advised to pay timely attention to the latest announcements and policy changes from Chinese embassies and consulates abroad or the State Immigration Administration before planning to come to China.
When applying for visas, authentic and valid application materials should be provided, and China's laws, regulations, and visa requirements should be adhered to.
After entering China, the immigration regulations and local laws and regulations should be followed to ensure legal stay and normal activities during their stay in China.