China’s New Immigration Measures: What Travellers Need to Know
China’s National Immigration Administration has introduced ten policy updates. Most focus on travel between the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, but four of them will be felt more widely by expats and international travellers. These updates touch on airport transit, visa-free entry, pre-arrival procedures, and automated clearance systems.
Below is a clear look at the changes that matter.
More Airports Join the 24-Hour Direct Transit Scheme
Effective: 5 November 2025
China has broadened its 24-hour direct transit option to ten more international airports. Travellers who hold a confirmed onward ticket and stay inside the airport for less than 24 hours can now pass through without border inspection at:
Tianjin, Dalian, Nanjing, Fuzhou, Qingdao, Wuhan, Nanning, Haikou, Chongqing, and Kunming.
Five More Ports Added to the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit List
Effective: 5 November 2025
Guangdong has added five entry points to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, bringing the total to 65 ports nationwide. The new additions are:
Guangzhou Pazhou Passenger Port, Hengqin, the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port, and West Kowloon Station on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link.
Citizens from 55 countries can use these ports to enter visa-free for up to 240 hours if they are transiting to a third destination and remain in the designated travel region.
This is useful for expats whose companies host overseas partners, or for families receiving visitors who enter through the Greater Bay Area before heading to Hainan. It also supports the growing flow of business, events, and exhibitions in South China.
Foreign Nationals Can File Arrival Information Online
Effective: 20 November 2025
A key convenience update: foreign travellers can now complete China’s arrival card online before flying. Filing is available through the NIA website, the NIA service platform, the “Immigration 12367” app, WeChat or Alipay mini-programs, or QR codes from airlines and ports.
Those who cannot file in advance may still scan a code on arrival or complete a paper card.
Some travellers do not need to file at all, including holders of China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID, non-Mainland holders of Hong Kong or Macao Home Visit Permits, group visa travellers, 24-hour transit passengers, cruise visitors returning on the same ship, fast-track lane users, and foreign crew.
For expats, this means shorter lines after international flights and less paperwork during peak travel seasons.
Smart Facial-Recognition Channels Extended to More Ports
Effective: 5 November 2025
Automated “face-scan” clearance lanes are being rolled out to more airports, ferry terminals, and land ports. The expansion covers Shanghai Hongqiao, major Xiamen ports, Guangzhou Pazhou and Nansha, and a wide group of Shenzhen and Zhuhai checkpoints.
The system is open to Hong Kong and Macao residents, including non-Chinese nationals who hold valid Home Visit Permits, as well as Taiwan residents with valid Taiwan Resident Travel Permits and Mainland residents with appropriate permits and endorsements.
Most foreign passport holders cannot use these channels, but there is still an indirect benefit. As more Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan travellers shift to automated processing, regular lanes become less congested. Expats who hold Hong Kong or Macao Home Visit Permits, though rare, can use the channels directly.
Related article: Hainan’s New Tourism Regulations: What You Need to Know
