The Chinese mainland's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced a range of new policies on Sunday aimed at easing residents' overseas travel.
Effective May 6, the measures will introduce diversified application channels for exit and entry documents, streamline application procedures, and extend permitted stay durations.
Under these new policies, residents aged 16 or above in 20 pilot cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, will have the ability to renew and reissue passports and travel documents to Hong Kong, Macao, and the Taiwan regions via an online platform.
Additionally, Chinese mainland residents applying for multi-entry to Hong Kong and Macao for business purposes can utilize smart equipment to obtain quick-access endorsements. The duration of stay for holders of business endorsements to Hong Kong and Macao will also be extended from seven days to 14 days.
Beijing and Shanghai will be included in the policy of issuing multi-entry endorsements valid for one to five years for six designated categories of talent traveling to Hong Kong and Macao, with each trip allowing a stay of less than 30 days.
A new type of multi-entry endorsement will be available for mainland residents traveling to Macao for participating in exhibitions, receiving medical treatment, or engaging in performing arts activities. Additionally, one to two companions of those seeking medical services in Macao will be eligible to apply for the same endorsement.
Special endorsements will be issued to Chinese mainlanders in tourist groups traveling to Macao via Hengqin port, lifting restrictions on the number of entries for these groups within a seven-day period.
An official with the administration stated that this new set of policies is significant for improving people's well-being, stimulating market vitality, optimizing the business environment, and fostering an open economy at a higher level.
Reference(s):
China introduces policies to facilitate citizens' travels overseas
cgtn.com
