shenzhen bao'an international airport has been authorized to implement visa-free direct transit procedures, benefiting foreign nationals traveling to third countries and regions with international interline tickets within 24 hours.

the shenzhen airport is one of nine airports across china to implement the measure announced by the national immigration administration (nia) on thursday.

the inaugural group of travelers to enjoy this visa-free entry arrived on china airlines flight cz9372. sixty international passengers from moscow transited in shenzhen on their way to southeast asia, marking the successful implementation of the new measures.

the airport has set up a special lane for international transfers at the international arrivals hall. transiting passengers can now complete transfer procedures within five minutes, much shorter than before.

“the measure is great and convenient as we can transfer directly without border inspections,” a russian passenger identified as konstantin said.

the shenzhen airport currently operates 670 cross-border flights weekly, connecting shenzhen with 35 cities in five continents.

the visa-free direct transit policy is one of the latest measures announced by nia to make various activities, including business, education, and tourism, more accessible for foreign nationals.

in addition to the transit policy, foreign nationals who seek to visit china for non-diplomatic, official business activities, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, private affairs, or to visit relatives, and are unable to obtain a visa beforehand due to time constraints may now apply for a port visa at a port visa authority with an invitation letter and other required documents.

furthermore, foreign nationals already in china can apply for visa extension, renewal, and re-issuance at the nearest public security organs. every foreign national already in china can apply for a multiple-entry visa as needed.

nia also minimizes the types of visa application requirements for foreign nationals in china. foreign nationals whose accommodation registration records, business licenses, and other information can be checked through the shared information systems are now exempt from having to present the physical certificates when applying for visas.