China 2025 Immigration Reforms

As part of the China 2025 Immigration Reforms, the National Immigration Administration has rolled out measures that simplify travel, enhance cross-border mobility, and support international collaboration

China's goal for the simplification of the process and reduction of administrative burden is set in the Updated travel and visa rules.

This post highlights how New NIA policies will shape mobility in 2025 and beyond. We would also consider the official and legal routes for the fast and easy visa or travel endorsement.

The 10 New Measures From the China 2025 Immigration Reforms Are Numbers Rising Again? What Data Suggests About Travel and Immigration Trends How to Apply for Chinese Visas, Travel Endorsements, or Transit Entry

The 10 New Measures From the China 2025 Immigration Reforms

<img src="https://globemigrant.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-10-New-Measures-from-the-2025-NIA-National-Immigration-Association-Reform-Package-Key-Updates-on-China-2025-Immigration-Reforms_-What-You-Need-to-Know-1024x576.jpg" alt="The 10 New Measures from the 2025 NIA (National Immigration Association) Reform Package - Key Updates on China 2025 Immigration Reforms_ What You Need to Know" class="wp-image-23952" style="width:800px"/> Image showing the Night view of a public space in China

These adjustments form a core part of China’s Updated travel and visa rules, especially as the government introduces a clearer set of New NIA policies that shape how people move across its borders. Here are the 10 new NIA polices listed and explained:

Expansion of the talent-endorsement pilot for travel between mainland China and Hong Kong/Macao

A simplified application process for family-visit endorsements for mainland residents traveling to or from the Taiwan region

Intelligent exit-entry services to be implemented at selected ports

Special cross-boundary measures for the Shenzhen park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone

The 24-hour visa-free direct transit program has been expanded to more international airports

Expansion of visa-free transit entry ports for 240 hours with five new ports in Guangdong Province

Expansion of fully online processing for the renewal and reissuance of exit-entry documents for mainland residents

Simplified renewal of family-visit endorsements for mainland residents staying in Hong Kong or Macao

Authorization of the issue of single-entry mainland travel permits for Taiwan residents at an additional 42 ports

The arrival cards for foreign travelers entering China will be available via the internet

1. Expansion of the Talent-Endorsement Pilot for Travel Between Mainland China and Hong Kong/Macao

The talent endorsement policy allows designated individuals to make numerous trips between mainland China and Hong Kong or Macao will be widened to cover more areas than before.

Now, it has the whole Yangtze River Delta, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, and all the national pilot free-trade zones under its belt. Those eligible for the program are researchers, medical professionals, legal experts, cultural and educational workers, and others in highly skilled areas recognized by the program.

The endorsements granted to successful applicants could be multi-exit and multi-entry, valid for one to five years, with the condition that each visit to Hong Kong or Macao would be limited to 30 days per entry.

These modifications reflect the nature of China’s new immigration measures as something that is geared toward obtaining information on specialized knowledge and optimizing global cooperation.

Who This Affects

Professionals with high skills and experience in the allowed sectors

Scientists and academic personnel

Experts from different fields, such as medical, legal, cultural, and educational

People working in free-trade zones and big economic areas

Professionals living on the mainland who require regular travel to Hong Kong or Macao

Next steps to take

Determine if your job is among the ones for which the talent endorsement is given.

See if your area falls under the new, larger regions.

Gather proof documents that would display your qualifications as a professional

Submit your application at the local office for exit-entry administration services.

Organize your travel plan in accordance with the 30-day per entry rule.

2. A Simplified Application Process for Family-Visit Endorsements for Mainland Residents Traveling to or from the Taiwan Region

With this new policy, mainland residents will be able to submit family-visit endorsement applications for travel to or from the Taiwan region at any county-level or higher exit-entry administration office.

This change does away with the previous practice of requiring applications to be filed based on the applicant’s household registration location. This streamline is part of the New NIA policies designed to make family-based travel easier regardless of where applicants currently live.

Endorsements continue to adhere to the household-registration regulations concerning their validity, but the procedure has been made more adaptable and in line with Updated travel and visa rules for the purpose of efficiency.

Who This Affects

People who live in the mainland and are visiting their relatives in Taiwan

Persons who are in a situation of working or living far away from the place where they are registered

Families that require processing that is faster or more convenient

People who travel regularly between the mainland and Taiwan for family reasons

Next Steps to Take

Go to the exit-entry administration office of the county-level or above in the mainland.

Take along the papers of household registration for checking their validity by endorsement.

Get the documents proving family ties for the visit.

While traveling during peak seasons, submit applications earlier

3. Intelligent Exit-Entry Services to be Implemented at Selected Ports

12 designated ports will use the intelligent exit-entry systems linking mainland China with Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The list of these ports includes large international airports such as Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

This modernization aligns with China’s new immigration measures, which continue to push for more digital, automated border controls. Those travelers who are willing to have their biometrics collected, which consists of facial and fingerprint recognition, will be given the chance to use the automated inspection lanes.

The group eligible for this includes residents of the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, specific residents of Taiwan, and foreigners who have undergone biometric data registration.

Who This Affects

Residents of the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and certain parts of Taiwan

Foreigners who record their biometrics

Business people who require speedy border processing

Next steps to take

Register biometrics at the immigration points that are approved.

Check if your travel port is among the 12 upgraded ports.

Take the automated lanes for quicker clearance.

Always have the valid travel documents ready for biometric verification.

4. Special Cross-Boundary Measures for the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone

With this policy, there is a specific exit and entry facilitation system for institutions and enterprises situated in the Shenzhen park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.

Mainland staff working in the organization in the approved zone can apply for a 3-year talent visa with multiple entries and can travel to Hong Kong or Macao without submitting standard talent-qualification documents.

Businesses in high-tech and advanced manufacturing sectors can make their first-year business-trip filings for movement between the mainland and the two SARS-exempt areas without the usual tax-payment requirements that come with these filings.

Besides, customs services for important personnel and "green-channels" for vehicles carrying research materials or equipment are being set up at ports such as Huanggang and Futian.

Who This Affects

Personnel of the authorized organizations at the Hetao Innovation Zone

High-tech and advanced manufacturing companies

International researchers and technical experts

Firms moving research apparatus

Next steps to take

Confirm that your firm is located within the specified Shenzhen park

Submit an application to the NIA for the multiple-entry talent visa valid for 3 years.

File through the simplified business-trip process

Make use of the green channels for research materials and equipment

Liaise with the zone administrators for adherence to regulations.

5. The 24-hour Visa-Free Direct Transit Program has Been Expanded to More International Airports

One key element of the China 2025 immigration reforms is the expansion of the 240-hour visa-free transit program to 65 ports across China.

This arrangement allows qualified international passengers with confirmed onward tickets to a third country to pass through these airports within 24 hours without being subjected to full immigration control, as long as they remain within the airport's international-transit area.

The higher number of airports where short-duration international transits can be done without additional entry procedures is the result of the expansion.

Who This Affects

International passengers transiting through China

Airlines that are routing their passengers via Chinese airports

Travelers who are doing multi-country itineraries with short layovers

Next Steps to Take

Make sure your airport is included in the expanded list of 65 ports .

Get a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.

Stay in the international transit area of the airport.

Have your travel documents ready for inspection.

6. Expansion of Visa-Free Transit Entry Ports for 240 Hours With Five New Ports in Guangdong Province

The 240-hour visa-free transit program has been expanded to include five additional ports in Guangdong Province. The new ports include ferry terminals, railway-linked crossings, and bridge-related entry points connecting Guangdong to Hong Kong and Macao. This is one of the more transformative parts of China’s new immigration measures.

With this adjustment, the total number of ports in China that support the 240-hour visa-free transit policy rises from 60 to 65. Eligible travelers entering through these specific ports and holding onward tickets may remain within the approved administrative regions for 240 hours before flying to a third destination.

Who This Affects

Travelers from abroad coming to Guangdong through certain designated ports.

People coming to Hong Kong or Macao and then going to other parts of China.

Visitors who intend to visit several cities in Guangdong

Next Steps to Take

Verify your flight's port of entry and see if it is one of the five newly included ones.

Make a reservation for a flight to another country before your arrival.

Move only in permitted areas during your 240-hour visit.

Have the documents ready for checks at the border.

7. Expansion of Fully Online Processing for the Renewal and Reissuance of Exit-Entry Documents for Mainland Residents

Digital procedures for entry, such as online arrival cards, are among the innovations introduced under the China 2025 immigration reforms. Starting November 20, 2025, the pilot project enabling residents to renew or reissue exit-entry permits online will be extended to an additional 30 cities. As a result, the total number of participating cities will be increased to 50.

Residents in these cities can upload their identities, photographs, and other required documents through official online portals, allowing them to complete renewals or reissuances remotely rather than visiting exit-entry administration offices.

Who This Affects

Inhabitants of the mainland in the 50 cities that are taking part in the program

Constant travelers who require their documents to be renewed

People who like online processing rather than going to the office

Next Steps to Take

Be sure your city is one of those that are part of the pilot expansion.

Prepare identification papers and take digital pictures of them.

Execute the renewal or reissuance through recognized online channels.

Monitor the progress of your application online.

8. Simplified Renewal of Family-Visit Endorsements for Mainland Residents Staying in Hong Kong or Macao

The China 2025 immigration reforms include multi-entry talent endorsements to facilitate frequent travel between mainland China and the SARs. Travelers holding family-visit endorsements who are already in Hong Kong or Macao can now renew their endorsements through government-approved travel service providers. The application must be submitted at least seven working days before the current endorsement expires.

Under this arrangement, qualified residents are allowed to extend their stay without the need to return to the mainland to complete renewal formalities.

Who This Affects

Mainland-born people staying in Hong Kong or Macao

People prolonging visits to family members

Visitors getting renewals without traveling across borders

Next Steps to Take

Get in touch with a government-approved travel service provider

Submit the renewal application not later than seven working days before

Gather the identity and travel documents required for processing

Follow the endorsement validity rules to stay in compliance

9. Authorization of the Issue of Single-Entry Mainland Travel Permits for the Taiwan Residents at an Additional 42 Ports

The number of ports authorized to grant single-entry Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan residents on arrival has been increased by 42, bringing the total to 100 .

The residents of Taiwan can obtain permits directly at the designated immigration counters upon entering the country, after submitting the required identity documents.

The permits issued this way are for one-time entry into mainland China and are handled at the immigration facilities at the arriving port.

Who This Affects

Persons from Taiwan going into mainland China

Individuals flying to the newly opened ports

People coming for a brief, one-off visit to the mainland

Next Steps to Take

Verify if your port of entry is among the 100 places allowed

Have the necessary ID papers for issuance on arrival

File your permit application at the immigration desks

Obey the rules connected with the one-entry paper

10. The Arrival Cards for Foreign Travelers Entering China will be Available Via the Internet

International tourists arriving in China will now be able to complete their arrival card online via the National Immigration Administration’s official website, governmental service portals, the NIA 12367 mobile app, or mini-programs on apps like WeChat and Alipay that support this.

Additionally, they can scan the QR codes at entry points, use the smart equipment made available by immigration authorities, or use a traditional paper arrival card if that is their choice.

These electronic channels enable several methods for submitting the mandatory entry data, either before or at the time of the traveler’s arrival. This digital expansion supports smoother arrivals and aligns with Updated travel and visa rules for foreign passengers.

Who This Affects

Visitors from other countries who are coming to China

Tourists who require quick immigration processing

Airlines informing their clients to fill out the forms prior to entering

Next Steps to Take

If possible, fill out the online arrival card before your trip

Utilize government channels like the NIA website or 12367 app

Take a screenshot or get a confirmation as a backup

Have the documents ready to be checked when you arrive

Are Numbers Rising Again? What Data Suggests About Travel and Immigration Trends

Image showing a signage of the Great wall of China

The reopening data suggest a very strong recovery (particularly short-term travel and transit) with medium- to long-term stays increasing more slowly. The main points:

Inbound travel and transit arrivals to China increased significantly after the reforms. In particular, after the 240-hour transit policy was implemented, several airports reported that foreign arrivals increased significantly .

It has been reported that visa-free and transit entries have skyrocketed. Reports from officials indicated a remarkable increase in the number of foreign entries without visas from year to year after 2024.

At the same time, demand for medium-term visas (for work, residency, or study) is rising slowly. The increase in talent endorsements and work permits is confined to certain professional categories, and the overall number of foreign residents is still very low compared to China’s population.

How to Apply for Chinese Visas, Travel Endorsements, or Transit Entry

Image showing a public space in China

1. Check if You Need a Visa

1. Check your nationality and the purpose of travel (tourism, business, transit, work, study, or residence) on the NIA website to find out whether you qualify for visa-free entry or a 240-hour visa-free transit.

2. Get a Visa (if Necessary)

Complete the official online application form using COVA. Provide your passport information, travel plan, and other supporting documents.

3. Set up and visit a Consular Appointment (if Required)

Certain visas necessitate a face-to-face meeting at a Chinese embassy or consulate. Book it through the MFA consular portal , take all supporting documents, and undergo any biometric process if required.

4. Get your visa and check particulars

Make sure to review your visa for its type (tourist, business, work, etc.), validity period, number of entries, and stay duration per entry.

5. Transit tourists (240-hour visa-free entry)

In case you meet the criteria, then be careful and get ready with:

A passport that is valid and has a minimum of six months left before expiration

Confirmed onward tickets from China to a third country, if applicable

Entry through a designated port (there are 65 ports in total)

Online arrival card filled in before landing

During your stay, you can move around in the specified areas , but you are not allowed to work, study, or perform any other activities that require a visa.

6. Stays of over a year (work, study, residence)

If you arrive on a long-term visa, you need to convert it into a residence permit at the local exit-entry administration office, which varies by city or province. Eligible professionals who are seeking talent endorsements must provide proof to the local talent authorities as per NIA guidance .

7. Frequent travelers or multi-entry needs

Those eligible for talent endorsements or other multi-entry programs must first apply to local immigration authorities in accordance with the official NIA guidelines.

Which Nationalities Make up the Foreign Population in the Country for Travel and Immigration Purposes?

The categories of foreign entrants and migrants are largely determined by the type of visa and the purpose.

Travelers for Short-Term Stay and for Transit

Visa-free and 240-hour transit policies are especially appealing to tourists travelling from Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Southeast Asia. Besides, many foreign countries whose citizens are entitled to visa-free access are located in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, and they are mainly developing countries whose citizens travel for business or tourism.

These regions benefit greatly from Updated travel and visa rules that simplify multi-leg travel. The opened-up access is making China a good choice for multi-leg travel, layovers, or business-tourism mixes.

The neighboring countries in the region (Southeast Asian nations) and East Asia (Japan, South Korea) are very likely to account for a large share of visitors due to their proximity and existing trade or business ties.

Final Thoughts

China 2025 Immigration Reforms are not merely incremental changes but rather the opening of China to the world and the adoption of a more pragmatic approach to migration and border policy.

The changes, such as digital procedures taking over most of the paperwork, more generous visa-free transit , and the wider reach of talent endorsements, are among the signals that China is willing to attract not only tourists and professionals but also long-term contributors from the global population.

Who Benefits Most From The New Measures? Business Travelers, International Professionals, Students, Tourists, And Overseas Returnees Benefit The Most. Companies Seeking To Bring In Foreign Talent Also Gain From Faster And Clearer Application Pathways. What is the New Multi-Entry Visa Rule? The new rules provide a longer validity period, options for a six-month or one-year multi-entry visa, and in particular cases, up to five years for persons with strong ties to China. How Has the Transit Visa-Free Policy Changed? The transit visa-free policy now includes more cities for the 72-hour and 144-hour schemes. Passengers can reside in the permitted areas during their layover without obtaining a visa in advance. Will the Policies Affect Foreign Students? A large number of students enjoy easier re-entry, simplified extension procedures, and clearer regulations regarding visa category change after graduation as a result.