China launches nationwide online arrival-card system for foreign travelers
Shenzhen police name eight foreigners for failing to update residence-permit changes
Hong Kong aligns with Beijing on Japan dispute, keeps flexible rebooking for Japan-bound travelers
Latest News
Visa-free regime expected to push Russia-China tourist traffic to 3.5 million trips
At a forum in Xi’an, Russian officials predicted that China’s new visa-free policy for Russians will help push two-way tourist trips to 3.5 million in 2025—a 30 % jump. Reciprocal visa-free entry for Chinese visitors is in the works, creating more capacity and lower costs on China–Russia business routes.
Surge in Russian Arrivals After China’s New Visa-Free Policy
China’s 30-day visa-free pilot for Russians, which started Sept 15 2025, has already lifted Russian arrivals by 40 % and could bring over two million visitors by year-end. The surge is boosting airlines, hotels and duty-free sales, especially in Hainan, while simplifying short-term business travel between the two countries.
China-Japan Diplomatic Rift Triggers 500 000 Flight Cancellations
Over 500 000 China-to-Japan flight bookings have been scrapped and Chinese tour operators have halted group trips amid rising diplomatic tensions. Japan’s tourism sector faces a potential US$13 billion revenue hit, while business travellers from both countries encounter new visa and capacity hurdles.
China Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to 45 Countries Through 2026
Beijing has prolonged and slightly expanded its unilateral visa-free regime: citizens of 45 countries—including newly added Sweden—may continue to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. The move eases short-term business travel and supports China’s inbound-tourism revival strategy.
Digital Arrival Card Goes Live Nationwide, Replacing Paper Forms
China’s immigration declaration is now fully digital. From 20 November, foreign visitors fill out an online arrival card and present a QR code at the border, replacing the paper form. Early user reports on 23 November confirm smoother processing, though paper and kiosk options remain during the transition.
Qatar Airways Lifts Shanghai Frequencies as China Demand Rebounds
From 1 January 2026 Qatar Airways will add three more weekly Doha–Shanghai flights (total ten), citing strong rebound in China-GCC traffic. The additional capacity offers multinationals better one-stop links to Africa and the Middle East and signals continued recovery of premium business travel to and from China.