China Expands Cross-Border Policies to Boost Exchange of Talents and International Travel

China continues its efforts to strengthen exchanges and collaborations between Mainland China, special administrative region (SAR) Hong Kong, and overseas countries by further expanding its talent endorsement and visa-free transit policies. The expanded policies are effective as of November 5, 2025.

EXPANSION OF TALENT ENDORSEMENT POLICY FOR CHINESE CITIZENS TRAVELING TO HONG KONG AND MACAO

In addition to Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, China’s talent endorsement policy will be implemented across the Tianjin, Hebei Province, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, and Anhui Province, and in all pilot free-trade zones nationwide.

With relevant certification issued by competent talent authorities, eligible employers, and other relevant entities, outstanding talents, scientific research talents, cultural and educational talents, healthcare and medical talents, legal talents and other talents working in these areas may apply for a multiple-exit-entry talent endorsement for traveling to and from Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR. The talent endorsement is valid for one to five years and permits a stay in Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR for up to 30 days per entry.

EXPANSION OF 240-HOUR VISA-FREE TRANSIT ENTRY POLICY

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy will be expanded to include five additional ports: Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin Port, Hong Kong–Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port (Passenger), and West Kowloon Station Port of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

Among the additional ports, Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port (Passenger), and West Kowloon Station Port of Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link are easily accessible from Hong Kong. It is expected to attract international travelers to Hong Kong as an entry stop or transit point in their multi-destination travel itineraries to China, fully leveraging Hong Kong's position as an international tourism hub.

In summary, the 240-hour-visa-free transit policy applies to citizens of the 55 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Eligible travelers may enter China visa-free from any of the 65 ports with a valid international travel document and an interline ticket (connecting ticket) with the confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 240 hours (10 days).

During their stay, travelers must stay within designated areas for visa-free transit and may engage in tourism, business, visiting, family visits, and other activities. Existing visa requirements for work, study, and news reporting remain unchanged, and travelers must obtain prior approval to engage in such activities.