By Atoyebi Nike
China will introduce a new digital arrival card and expand its visa-free transit policies as part of efforts to simplify travel and revive tourism. Beginning November 20, 2025, travellers can submit entry details online through the National Immigration Administration’s platforms, reducing reliance on paper forms. Digital kiosks will support those who have not completed the process before arrival.
Several traveller groups, including Hong Kong and Macao permit holders, cruise passengers and airport transit passengers, are exempt from the new requirement.
The upgrade is one of ten measures aimed at boosting accessibility. From November 5, China’s 24-hour visa-free transit will extend to ten more airports, while its 240-hour program will cover additional ports in Guangdong, bringing the total to 65 entry points across 24 provinces.
China is also easing travel between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao by allowing mainland residents to renew permits directly in the Special Administrative Regions.
