Policy & Visa Updates

Shanghai received 5.31 million inbound visitors in the first half of 2026, a record for the period. The next phase is about converting arrivals into spending across the city and the delta.

A new State Council regulation on exit-entry administration took effect on September 15. Border checkpoints are standardising enforcement and adding multilingual self-service terminals.

China has lowered its departure tax refund threshold from 500 to 200 yuan and raised the cash refund limit to 20,000 yuan, widening the scheme to shops at ports, malls, scenic areas and hotels.

China's culture and tourism ministry has published its 15th Five-Year Plan, setting eight areas of priority work and 54 key projects through 2030 — including easier booking and holiday reform.

A study released at the 2026 services trade fair finds that China's inbound visitor spending per trip is 357.3 dollars — about 29 percent of the global average — and identifies service quality as the highest-impact fix.

China's travel service exports reached 263.6 billion yuan in the first seven months of 2026, up 27.7 percent — the fastest-growing of the country's top five service export categories, with spending shifting toward shopping, medical and experience travel.

China's border authorities processed 4.99 billion crossings in the first eight months of 2026, with visa-free foreign entries up 26.8 percent and accounting for 77.6 percent of all foreign arrivals.

China's departure tax refund went paperless in July: a 200-yuan minimum purchase, a 20,000-yuan cash ceiling, three-minute refund forms and refunds claimable in a province other than the one where you shopped.

Vietnam's addition to China's 240-hour visa-free transit and the parallel Hainan 30-day waiver are reshaping Southeast Asian travel planning — with first-half border data showing visa-free entries up 30.6 percent and Vietnam now the fourth-largest source market.

China extends 30-day visa-free entry for 77 countries until December 31, 2026. Expanded 240-hour transit covers 65 ports. Inbound tourism up 35.8%.

China's Ministry announces 16 measures to boost inbound tourism, expanding visa-free access and improving services. Q1 2026 saw 21.3M foreign visitors.

China updates customs regulations with increased duty-free allowances for international travelers. Know what you can bring when entering China.

China introduces USD 100 port visa service for travelers from non-visa-free countries. No embassy visits required when booking through authorized tour operators.

China's visa-free entry policy now covers 47 countries including most of Europe, with extended validity through December 31, 2026. Learn about eligibility and requirements.