Beijing, 9 February 2024 (TDI): On February 9, 2024, the National Immigration Administration of China announced the expansion of visa-free entry to Hainan for certain countries.
Hainan offered 30-day visa-free stays for business, family visits, medical care, etc., excluding employment and educational purposes.
The government made the announcement online, excluding events of work and education. China’s National Immigration Administration stated that as of Friday, visitors from various countries can enter Hainan visa-free for various purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment, exhibitions, or sports.
All publicly accessible ports in Hainan province will serve as entry and exit points, with restricted operations within its administrative boundaries. The day after entrance, at midnight, will be the start of the stay-term computation.
Among the countries granted visa-free entry are Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, etc. Moreover, the prior policy that granted citizens of the aforementioned nations 30 days of visa-free entry for tourism will remain in effect.
Furthermore, expanding visa-free entry in Hainan aids reform fosters openness, and promotes the Hainan Free Trade Port.
The statement indicated that such visitors can stay in Hainan province for up to 30 days. Previously, visitors from these countries could enter Hainan visa-free solely for tourism.
Future Priorities
The administration’s future priorities will be to fully support China’s high-level opening up, innovate and reform immigration laws. The national government built all visa-free entry and departure ports in Hainan Province, opening them to the outside world.
The reciprocal visa exemption agreement with China involves activities within Hainan Province’s administrative boundaries. The administration’s statement highlighted the policy’s goal to advance reform and support the Free Trade Port construction.
The administration spokesperson stated the expanded visa-free entry supports Hainan’s reform, opening-up, and Free Trade Port construction.
The calculation of stay duration begins at 0:00 on the next day after admission. The aforementioned nations can still enter Hainan for 30 days without a visa.
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