Contents
Introduction:
China has been continuously opening up to the outside world, actively optimizing its visa and entry policies to attract tourists from all over the globe to explore this country rich in history and cultural heritage. As of October 2024, China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has expanded to 37 ports of entry. The newest additions include Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan, and the Mohan Railway Port. Through these ports, citizens of 54 eligible countries can stay visa-free in designated areas for up to 144 hours, engaging in tourism, business, and short-term visits. The latest data shows that, in the first half of 2024, the total number of foreigners entering through China’s ports reached 14.63 million, a year-on-year increase of 152.7%. Of these, the number of foreigners entering visa-free reached 8.54 million, accounting for 52%, with a year-on-year growth of 190.1%. (Mainland China)(China Daily). These figures indicate that China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy is playing a significant role in attracting foreign tourists, leading to a surge in international visits.
1. China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy
Since the implementation of the 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policies in January 2013, China has gradually expanded their application across multiple cities and ports to meet the demands of international travelers. The visa-free policy not only facilitates travel, business visits, and family reunions for foreign tourists but also reflects China’s friendly and open attitude toward international visitors. As the visa-free policy continues to improve, more foreign tourists are choosing China as a short-term travel destination. This includes the four major cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, which serve as economic, financial, and technological centers, attracting tourists and investors from around the world.
Here are the advantages of the visa-free policy in these major cities:
- Beijing: As the capital, Beijing has numerous international flights and significant business resources. Its visa-free policy provides convenience for foreign tourists and business people, especially those planning to establish companies or engage in business activities in northern China.
- Shanghai: Known as China’s financial and trade hub, Shanghai has always been a preferred destination for foreign investors. The implementation of the 144-hour visa-free policy allows foreign entrepreneurs and investors to utilize this window to explore the market, assess projects, and further lay the foundation for establishing enterprises in Shanghai and its surrounding areas.
- Shenzhen: As a city of technology and innovation, Shenzhen attracts countless tech companies and entrepreneurs. The 144-hour visa-free policy allows foreigners visiting Shenzhen for business meetings or seeking partnerships to arrange their schedules more flexibly.
China’s 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit for Foreign Tourists
China’s visa-free entry policy not only enables transit passengers to stay in China for 6 days but also attracts foreign tourists planning short-term visits. In recent years, traveling or working in China has become more convenient for foreigners, thanks to advanced technology and services. Translation tools on mobile phones (such as ChatGPT) allow tourists to effortlessly switch between English, Chinese, and other languages, effectively overcoming language barriers. This linguistic convenience, combined with the ongoing optimization of transportation and payment systems in major Chinese cities, has significantly enhanced the travel experience for foreign visitors.
China’s transportation services have been continuously improved, with international flights resuming to 73.1% of their 2019 levels. The railway department has optimized the 12306 website to provide online identity verification for foreign passports, facilitating ticket purchases for Chinese high-speed trains. Payment methods have also been optimized, implementing systems such as “large-scale card payments, small-scale QR code scanning, and cash for contingencies” to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience for tourists in China. Additionally, many cities have canceled reservation requirements for scenic spots, offering more flexible travel arrangements.
Moreover, China’s tourism products are becoming increasingly diverse. Besides visiting historical sites and natural landscapes, foreign tourists can experience local culture, cuisine, healthcare, shopping, and more. According to a survey by the China Tourism Academy, more than 60% of foreign tourists list experiencing Chinese culture as their primary travel purpose in China. This illustrates that Chinese culture and lifestyle experiences are key factors in attracting foreign visitors.
Practical Application of China’s Visa-Free Policy for Foreigners
For foreigners planning to establish companies in China, whether as a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or a Joint Venture (JV), the visa-free policy provides significant convenience. However, even after company registration, you still need to undergo identity verification, open a bank account, and complete tax declarations. Therefore, the process is not straightforward and involves several critical steps. Here are a few points to note:
- Passport Identity Verification: When setting up a WFOE or JV in China, if a foreigner serves as the company’s legal representative, they must personally visit the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) for identity verification. This process is a key step in company establishment. Failure to complete identity verification will result in the inability to open corporate bank accounts or perform tax declarations. Therefore, the 144-hour visa-free policy offers a convenient entry opportunity for legal representatives to quickly complete identity verification.
- Bank Account Opening and Tax Declaration: After completing identity verification, the foreign legal representative needs to open a bank account in China and register with the tax authorities. These processes usually require the foreign legal representative to stay in China for a period. The 144-hour visa-free policy provides a time window for this, especially for foreign investors who need to travel to China multiple times for short durations.
In summary, establishing a company in China involves several complex legal, financial, and administrative procedures, which foreigners are often not familiar with. At this time, choosing a professional and reliable agency is crucial. GWBMA, a professional consulting agency, can provide specialized services to foreign investors.
Technological Support for Foreigners Visiting China: Language and Service Convenience
China continuously enhances its international service standards. Foreign investors can now use AI tools on their mobile phones (such as ChatGPT) to facilitate multilingual communication, translating between English, Chinese, and other languages more naturally. This technology helps foreign investors better interact with Chinese government departments, banks, and clients, solving language barrier issues.
For example, if a company’s legal representative has completed the company registration in China and needs to go to the bank for account opening, it’s best to bring a bilingual translator along. However, if a suitable translator is unavailable, the legal representative can use AI translation tools to quickly convert their needs and questions into Chinese during the account opening process. For instance:
- Instant Translation: The legal representative speaks to the AI tool: “Please tell the bank staff that I need to submit an electronic copy of the company license.” The AI tool will immediately convert this into Chinese, assisting with communication in real-time.
- Communication Assistance: During procedures at the SAMR, if complex communication issues arise, the legal representative can input the bank staff’s words into the translation tool. The AI will quickly convert the Chinese text into English or another language, helping the legal representative accurately understand the requirements. They can then input their response into the tool, which translates it back into Chinese for the staff to see.
This real-time translation not only speeds up communication but also ensures accuracy, bridging communication gaps when professional translators are not present.
- Visiting China: While on business trips or traveling in China, foreigners can use AI translation tools on their mobile phones to quickly communicate with Chinese partners or government departments, regardless of time or location.
Foreign investors can express their needs anytime, anywhere. Even during travel or online meetings without a suitable translator, they can use AI tools to communicate promptly and accurately. This makes doing business in China more convenient and efficient.
Conclusion:
As the visa-free policy continues to expand, business opportunities for foreign tourists in China also increase. The visa-free entry in various cities provides a chance for foreign entrepreneurs and investors to understand the Chinese market and expand their businesses. Whether for travel, company establishment, business negotiations, or project exploration, the 144-hour visa-free window can be effectively utilized. People from every more country can look forward to the future, creating more opportunities in China.
