China’s inbound tourism roars back: visa-free arrivals up 35.8 % at New-Year opening
One month after customs ‘closure’, Hainan logs 64 % leap in visa-free foreign visitors
Philippines grants 14-day visa-free entry to Chinese nationals, fuelling regional travel rebound
Latest News
Medan Chinese visa centre’s holiday closure delays Lunar-New-Year travel paperwork
The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Medan, Indonesia, was closed on 16 January for a local religious holiday, delaying passport collections until 19 January. The one-day shutdown disrupts visa plans for Indonesian executives and Chinese expatriate families preparing Lunar-New-Year trips and highlights the need for mobility teams to track host-country holiday calendars.
Philippines opens 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese visitors
From 16 January 2026 Chinese passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days via Manila or Cebu. The one-year pilot aims to revive a market that is still far below pre-pandemic levels and should ease short-notice business travel, but remains non-extendable and non-convertible. Mobility teams must update travel policies and ensure travelers carry proof of onward transport.
Cambodia unveils four-month visa-free pilot for Chinese tourists this summer
Chinese, Hong Kong and Macao passport holders will be able to visit Cambodia visa-free for 14 days between 15 June and 15 October 2026. The pilot is designed to lift Chinese arrivals back toward pre-COVID records and will simplify short-term corporate visits to China-funded projects but does not cover work assignments.
Hong Kong & Macao cut automated-gate age to seven, easing family commutes
Starting 19 January 2026, children aged seven and above can use automated e-Channels when travelling between Hong Kong and Macao, cutting family clearance times and supporting the Greater Bay Area’s "one-hour living circle" vision. The move also relaxes e-gate enrolment for certain adult non-permanent residents.
Chinese vice-premier’s Davos trip triggers last-minute rush for Swiss visas
Vice-Premier He Lifeng will lead China’s delegation to Davos on 19-22 January. The announcement has triggered a spike in Schengen-visa applications and hotel demand, prompting Swiss migration authorities to issue biometric-data reminders to Chinese travelers. Corporates should finalise visas and register staff on WEF security lists by 17 January.
Chinese visa centre in Medan closes for one day, impacting Lunar-New-Year plans
China’s visa centre in Medan, Indonesia, shut for the 16 January public holiday, delaying routine and urgent China-bound applications until 19 January. Companies must adjust timelines or redirect cases to other Indonesian centres to keep Lunar-New-Year travel on track.