The National Immigration Administration (Exit-Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China) issued the “Announcement on Implementing 10 New Measures to Support the Expansion of Opening-up and Serve High-quality Development” (Announcement No. 4 of 2025) on November 3, 2025, to actively support high-level openness and high-quality development. This announcement includes several policy adjustments and optimization measures related to immigration and exit-entry management.
Below is a summary of the key immigration adjustments and optimization measures.
| Adjustments and optimization measures | Target group | |
| 1. Expansion of application locations for talent endorsement to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR. | The talent endorsement policy will expand nationwide, covering the Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and all pilot free trade zones. Eligible Mainland talents can apply for a multiple-entry endorsement to Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR, valid for 1 to 5 years, with stays of up to 30 days per visit. | Mainland China talents |
| 2. Family visit endorsements for Mainland China residents traveling to and from Taiwan region will be accepted nationwide | Family visit endorsements for Mainland China residents traveling to and from Taiwan region will be accepted by all exit-entry administration authorities of public security organs nationwide, above the county level. | Mainland China residents |
| 3. Promote the use of intelligent exit-entry clearance at select ports. | The “facial recognition” intelligent exit-entry clearance system will be expanded to additional ports, including airports and passenger transport ports in Shenzhen, Zhuhai. Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents with valid permits or endorsements who consent to biometric data collection can use fast-track lanes for entry and exit at these ports. | Mainland China, Hongkong, Macao, and Taiwan residents |
| 4. Support efficient cross-border flow of production factors in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone (HTCZ-SZ) | Mainland China talents in research and tech enterprises within the Cooperation Zone can apply for a three-year multiple-entry talent endorsement to and from Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR without submitting talent certificates. Emerging and start-up enterprises can apply for business travel to these regions without tax requirements in their first year, with preferential treatment for key high-tech and manufacturing companies. | Mainland China talents |
| 5. Expand Ports Offering 24-Hour Visa-Free Direct Transit | The 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy will be extended to major international airports, including Tianjin Binhai and Dalian Zhoushuizi. Passengers with international connecting tickets who transfer directly to a third country within 24 hours, without leaving the airport, will be exempted from immigration and border control procedures. | Foreign nationals |
| 6. Increase the number of entry ports offering the 240-hour transit visa-free policy | The number of entry ports increased from 60 to 65, adding five new ports in Guangdong province.
For more information on the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, please refer to our Alert. | Foreign nationals |
| 7. Expand the pilot cities for the ‘online application’ of entry and exit documents for mainland China residents | The number of pilot cities will increase from 20 to 50, including Dalian, Wuxi, Suzhou, and others. Residents aged 16 and above can apply online for passport renewal or replacement, as well as travel permits for Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan region. | Mainland China residents |
| 8. Mainland China residents can extend their family visit endorsement in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR | Mainland China residents holding a family visit endorsement can apply for renewal through the China Travel Service in Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR, at least 7 working days before the endorsement expires. | Mainland China residents |
| 9. Expansion of ports for the issuance of a single-entry Mainland China Travel Permit for Taiwan residents | The number of ports where Taiwan residents can apply for a one-time Mainland China Travel Permit will increase from 58 to 100, including major ports like Tianjin, Guangzhou Pazhou, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Applicants without a valid permit can apply at these ports’ immigration authorities and, if approved, receive the permit. | Taiwan residents |
| 10. Implement online filling for the Foreigner’s Arrival Card | Foreigners can submit their entry information online via the National Immigration Administration’s website, app, or other platforms before arriving in China. If unable to submit online, they can complete the form at the port of entry using QR codes, smart devices, or a paper card. Exemptions apply to those with permanent residence cards, Hong Kong/Macao travel permits, group visas, or transport company employees. | Foreign nationals |
Since November 5, 2025, China has introduced a series of visa and entry/exit facilitation measures, that substantial improve ease of travel for residents from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan region, and foreign nationals. These new policies not only broaden the pilot program for talent visa endorsements for Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, but also advance the “nationwide processing” initiative, simplifying the procedure for Mainland China residents to apply for Taiwan family visit endorsements. Moreover, the implementation of intelligent customs clearance systems, particularly the use of facial recognition technology, is expected to greatly boost clearance efficiency, especially at key ports like Shenzhen Bay and Zhuhai Gongbei. However, despite the convenience brought by policy optimization, selecting the appropriate type of visa and making reasonable plans remain crucial. This includes considerations in areas such as taxation, which may lead to new strategic considerations. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the potential impacts of these developments.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Jacky Chu
Partner, China Leader
Sheree Cang
China Immigration Partner
Dienn Hu
China Immigration Senior Manager
Ray Xia
China Immigration Senior Manager
Day Dai
China Immigration Manager
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