On 27 October, state-run China Daily quietly rolled out a new mobile mini-program called ‘China Travel Entry Check’, aimed at demystifying China’s evolving entry requirements for foreign passport holders. Accessible via the China Daily app, the English-language tool aggregates National Immigration Administration data on 30-day visa-waiver schemes, the 240-hour transit policy and port-visa eligibility, and offers tailored advice based on a user’s nationality, travel purpose and transit plans.
A key feature is push-notification alerts when local authorities adjust rules—for example, if Shenzhen temporarily suspends visa-on-arrival issuance during peak periods. The app also links to embassy appointment systems in 15 countries that have adopted China’s new online visa portal, allowing travellers to switch from a visa-free plan to an e-application if their itinerary changes.
For corporate mobility teams, the tool provides a single reference point that cuts down on conflicting third-party advisories. Policy intelligence can be exported in PDF for duty-of-care documentation, and an API is under development for integration with travel-management platforms.
The launch follows complaints from overseas chambers of commerce about fragmented information confusing business visitors. By embedding the service in a widely downloaded news app, authorities hope to reach the 6 million foreigners projected to visit China in Q4 2025.
Users should be aware that the mini-program currently supports ordinary passports only; holders of diplomatic or service passports are still directed to traditional consular channels.
A key feature is push-notification alerts when local authorities adjust rules—for example, if Shenzhen temporarily suspends visa-on-arrival issuance during peak periods. The app also links to embassy appointment systems in 15 countries that have adopted China’s new online visa portal, allowing travellers to switch from a visa-free plan to an e-application if their itinerary changes.
For corporate mobility teams, the tool provides a single reference point that cuts down on conflicting third-party advisories. Policy intelligence can be exported in PDF for duty-of-care documentation, and an API is under development for integration with travel-management platforms.
The launch follows complaints from overseas chambers of commerce about fragmented information confusing business visitors. By embedding the service in a widely downloaded news app, authorities hope to reach the 6 million foreigners projected to visit China in Q4 2025.
Users should be aware that the mini-program currently supports ordinary passports only; holders of diplomatic or service passports are still directed to traditional consular channels.
