As 2024 arrives, China has implemented a series of adjustments and optimizations to its policies for foreigners entering the country, aiming to enhance entry convenience and streamline administrative efficiency. Whether you are planning to visit China for tourism, work, or family visits, the following guide will help you quickly grasp the latest entry regulations:

1. Streamlined Visa Application Process:

Chinese embassies and consulates abroad have abolished the visa appointment system, allowing applicants to submit visa applications directly without the need for lengthy waiting periods, significantly reducing application times.

2. Expanded Visa-Free Facilitation:

New visa-free policies have been introduced for several countries, including unilateral visa-free entry for eight countries such as France and Italy, and mutual visa-free arrangements with 23 countries including the United Arab Emirates and Belarus, providing greater convenience for travelers from these nations.

3. Accommodation Registration Requirements:

All foreigners staying in China must register their accommodation. If staying in a hotel, the hotel will automatically handle the reporting procedures; for non-hotel accommodations, individuals must report to the local public security authorities within 24 hours of check-in. Notably, some regions support online registration, offering additional convenience to travelers.

4. Visa Fee Reduction Policy:

To further encourage foreigners to enter China, visa fees will be charged at 75% of the current standard until the end of 2024. This means that applicants during the promotional period will enjoy substantial fee reductions.

5. Fingerprint Collection Exemptions:

Certain individuals will be exempt from the fingerprint collection process when applying for visas, including children under 14 years old, seniors over 70 years old, individuals with fingerprint records within the past five years, those with damaged fingerprints, and applicants under specific visa categories. This measure aims to alleviate the application burden for some travelers.

6. New Customs Regulations:

The health declaration card has been abolished, simplifying the entry process. Additionally, new limits have been set for cash carried by travelers crossing the border: individuals aged 16 and above are not allowed to carry more than RMB 20,000 in cash or the equivalent of USD 5,000 in foreign currencies; amounts exceeding these limits must be declared to customs.

This overview of the main new regulations for foreigners entering China in 2024 should help you better plan your trip and enjoy a pleasant journey.