Indonesia detains 29 Chinese workers in Batam for permit violations
Thailand considers scrapping 60-day visa-free stay, raising stakes for Chinese tourists
China–Laos Railway surpasses 70 million passengers as nations mark 65 years of ties
Latest News
China records 30 % surge in visa-free foreign arrivals in Q1 2026
Beijing says foreigners entering on China’s unilateral 30-day visa waiver jumped almost 30 percent in Q1 2026, the first quarterly data since the programme was extended to 50 countries. The rise reflects expanded eligibility, more direct flights and faster e-gate processing, giving multinationals new scope to restart in-person visits. Firms should update compliance briefings and watch for potential 60-day and additional-country expansions later this year.
China rolls out electronic Border Management Area Permit, ending paper passes
From 15 April 2026 China’s previously paper-based Border Management Area Permit is fully digital. Mainland residents can now secure a QR-coded authorisation via the NIA 12367 app, cutting wait times and enabling short-notice travel to restricted frontier zones. Foreign employees still need in-person applications, but an online pilot is expected later this year, so companies operating near borders should revise mobility workflows and compliance checks.
Chinese embassies to close visa windows on 1 & 4 May for Labour Day
China’s embassy in Zimbabwe has confirmed it will shut its visa counters on 1 and 4 May 2026 for Labour Day, mirroring closures planned at multiple Chinese missions worldwide. The two-day pause will squeeze appointment slots during an already busy period, so companies should file applications immediately or explore visa-free and transit options to keep May assignments on track.
May Day bookings show strong inbound interest as China’s visa easing bites
Online travel-agency data show inbound searches and bookings for China’s 1–5 May holiday up sharply—evidence that extended visa-free entry and resumed flights are luring overseas visitors back. Corporates should lock in flights and rooms now as supply tightens, and monitor whether the rebound spurs authorities to widen visa-free stays to 60 days for investors.