New 6-day visa-free policy for Hainan visits set to boost Hong Kong travel agencies

Foreigners can now visit the island for up to 144 hours without a visa by joining a tour organised by a travel agency in Hong Kong or Macau

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Often referred to as the Hawaii of China, Hainan is one of the nation’s premier tourist spots. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 10:13pm, 30 Jul 2024Updated: 11:48pm, 30 Jul 2024

Foreign travellers can now spend up to six days in mainland China’s Hainan province visa-free if they enter via Hong Kong and Macau under a new arrangement unveiled by immigration authorities in Beijing.

The new initiative, which took effect immediately after it was announced on Tuesday, allows foreigners holding a standard passport from any nation with Chinese diplomatic ties to visit the southern island province for up to 144 hours without a visa by joining a tour organised by a legally registered travel agency in Hong Kong or Macau.

Beijing has diplomatic relations with more than 180 countries.

Travellers meeting the criteria can enter and depart via any of Hainan’s entry points in tour groups, which must consist of a minimum of two people.

“Their activities are limited to the administrative area of Hainan province, and the duration of stay is counted from midnight on the day after arrival,” the National Immigration Administration said.

Often referred to as the Hawaii of China, Hainan is one of the nation’s premier tourist spots, renowned for its beaches, seafood and distinctive local heritage.