China introduces digital arrival card and widens visa-free transit at 20 additional ports
• From 20 Nov 2025 foreigners can fill in China’s arrival card entirely on-line; paper forms become optional.
• China also adds 10 airports to its 24-hour air-side visa-free transit list and 5 Guangdong ports to the 240-hour visa-free entry scheme.
• Digital pre-clearance is expected to speed up border processing by up to 45 seconds per traveller and requires new pre-trip briefings by corporates and airlines.
• The measures underline Beijing’s strategy of using seamless entry to attract tourists, investors and international talent.
Nov 9, 2025
