China Visa & Policy Updates
China is streamlining entry through expanded 30-day visa waivers, 240-hour transit-free programs, and a nationwide digital arrival card system that reduces clearance times to 15 minutes. Significant updates include a new unified exit-entry framework starting September 15, online residence registration via Alipay, and fingerprinting exemptions for stays under 180 days through 2026. While entry eases for travelers, authorities are strictly enforcing 60-year age limits for Category B work permits.
China foreigners can skip police desks with online filings launched Sept. 21
Foreigners in China can now register temporary residence online via the NIA platform or Alipay. The nationwide rollout launched Sept. 21 replaces police visits.
China waives fingerprinting for stays under 180 days through Dec. 31
Chinese visa authorities overseas have exempted fingerprint collection for all short-term visa applicants with stays of up to 180 days through Dec. 31. Long-term visa categories requiring residence permits upon arrival, including Z and X1 visas, still require biometric scanning.
63% of Shanghai foreign arrivals use China visa-free policies and 240-hour stays
Shanghai ports recorded 467,000 foreign visitors in July, with the majority utilizing China's expanded visa-free and 240-hour transit visa-free policies. These options are increasingly facilitating short-term stays and stopovers for international travelers and nomads transiting through the region.
New unified framework for China entry and exit starts Sept. 15
China will implement new exit-entry administration regulations on Sept. 15 to standardize application procedures for visas and residence permits. The 30-day visa-free entry policy for eligible nationalities and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy remain in effect.
Zhejiang expands 240-hour visa-free transit to all 6 international ports in China
Zhejiang's new digital platform streamlines arrivals and logistics for travelers utilizing China's 240-hour visa-free transit window.
China digital arrival cards cut clearance times to 15 minutes for tourists
New digital immigration tools in China have streamlined entry processes, reducing border wait times to under 30 minutes for travelers utilizing visa-free policies.
China’s entry rules now cover more travelers
China is expanding its 30-day visa-waiver and 240-hour transit-free programs to more nationalities and ports of entry. Additionally, a new nationwide e-arrival-card system will be implemented by the end of Q2 to streamline the entry process for international travelers.
China strictly enforces 60 year age limit for Category B work permits
Shanghai has introduced a one-year work permit extension buffer for expats aged 60-65, while Guangzhou now requires new work permits before residence permit updates during job transfers. Additionally, B-category approvals for those over 60 are tightening, and parents of foreign newborns face a strict two-month visa application deadline.
China Updates Visa-Free Entry Rules for Canadians
Starting February 17, 2026, Canadian passport holders can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits. This temporary policy, running through December 31, 2026, significantly reduces the cost and administrative burden for Canadian nomads and travelers.