On July 25, the Hainan Provincial Government announced the “Regulations on visa-free service and administration for foreigners entering Hainan” (hereinafter referred to as the “Regulations”). These Regulations will come into effect on September 1, 2024, and aim to provide convenient services for foreigners visiting Hainan without a visa.
The Regulations specify that citizens from countries specially approved by the State Council of China, holding ordinary passports and traveling for purposes such as tourism, business, visits, family reunions, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports competitions (excluding work and study), can enter Hainan through its open ports without a visa. Within the stipulated stay period, these individuals can engage in activities and access related services and management in Hainan according to these Regulations. Those eligible under visa waiver agreements signed with China or unilateral visa-free policies of China will follow those specific provisions.
The Regulations include multiple provisions to facilitate services for visa-free foreign visitors. Customs, border inspection agencies, and enterprises such as airports and ports are required to optimize the customs clearance environment, making it easier for visa-free foreigners to enter and exit Hainan. Additionally, government service halls and hotlines established by governments at or above the county level and their relevant departments must provide necessary foreign language services.
The Regulations also encourage tourist attractions, hotels, cultural and museum venues, transportation hubs, medical institutions, and banks to offer essential translation, consultation, payment, and guidance services.
Furthermore, the Regulations mandate that governments at or above the county level and their relevant departments promptly publish administrative licensing matters and other administrative management information concerning visa-free foreigners according to the law.
Hainan’s visa-free entry policy for citizens of 59 countries is a unique regional policy exclusive to the province. Since May 1, 2018, Hainan has implemented a visa-free entry policy for tourists from these countries. Starting February 9, 2024, the National Immigration Administration of China has expanded the reasons for visa-free entry to Hainan. In addition to tourism, citizens from the 59 countries can now enter Hainan visa-free for business, visits, family reunions, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports competitions (excluding work and study) and stay for up to 30 days.
The full text of the regulations in Chinese can be viewed at the following URL
https://www.hainan.gov.cn/hainan/xxyxzfgz/202407/ddfb691a42cd480f9d316c27795b011c.shtml
