Smart Channel: Visa Services and 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China saw a significant increase in the number of trips made across its borders in 2023, with a total of 424 million trips recorded. This marked a 266.5 percent increase from the previous year, with residents of the mainland accounting for 206 million trips and residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan making 183 million trips. Additionally, the number of foreigners traveling across borders surged by 693.1 percent to nearly 35.48 million, as reported by People’s Daily.
To accommodate this growing influx of travelers, the National Immigration Administration of China implemented streamlined entry and exit management policies starting from May 15, 2023. These measures aimed to enhance the efficiency and convenience of cross-border mobility for both domestic and international travelers. One of the key initiatives included technological upgrades at Beijing Border Control Main Station, such as face and fingerprint recognition systems, to expedite customs clearance and reduce wait times.
Foreign travelers also benefitted from the 24-hour visa-free transit policy, which allowed those with international transit flights to pass through China’s nine designated airports within 24 hours without undergoing border procedures. Moreover, foreign citizens were granted the option to obtain single-entry and multiple-entry visas directly at port entries, enabling a smoother entry process for those visiting China.
Furthermore, a new version of the Chinese Permanent Resident Identification Card for foreign citizens was introduced on December 1, 2023, to enhance information services and support the increasing number of foreigners coming to China for various purposes. This initiative reflects China’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for international visitors engaging in business, tourism, work, study, and residency.
As China continues to attract a diverse range of travelers from around the world, these proactive measures are instrumental in facilitating seamless cross-border movements and promoting greater connectivity between China and global destinations.
This article was sourced from the official website of Narodnaya Gazeta and translated for informational purposes.
**ORIENT news**
*Photo: People’s Daily Online*
