Chinese passports gaining power

As many as 10 countries have granted Chinese passport holders visa-free entry since 2021, a result of the country's efforts to expand visa-free access for Chinese citizens, an official of the National Immigration Administration said on Wednesday.

Over 90 countries and regions have granted visa-free entry or issued visa-on-arrival policies for Chinese passport holders, Xiong Shuren, head of the administration's Citizens Exit-Entry Management Department, told a news conference in Beijing.

Travel convenience for Chinese passport holders has increased during the period under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), he said.

Citing international consulting agency rankings, Xiong said the global mobility score of Chinese passports rose from 72nd in 2021 to 60th.

Xiong noted that Chinese people's demand for cross-border travel has continued to grow.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the administration has issued more than 300 million exit and entry documents for Chinese citizens, Xiong said.

At the same time, through its hotline, website, smartphone application and other channels, the administration has provided assistance more than 480 million times to Chinese citizens around the world, he said.

China has also taken a series of measures to attract inbound travel by foreigners, encouraging them to not only visit for the purpose of sightseeing, but also stay for work and business.

Liu Jia, an official at the administration's Foreigners Management Department, said that the number of international professionals who have been granted permanent residence in China has "increased substantially" during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

Since 2021, the administration has worked to attract foreign talent by establishing a system that facilitates their visa process, their stay in the country and inclusion in Chinese society, Liu said.

As part of the efforts, the country issued a new version of its foreign permanent resident ID card in December 2023, enabling financial, transport, health and other service providers in the country to verify foreigners' identities and provide services to them.

Also, carrying the card and a valid passport with them, foreigners can enter China visa-free multiple times.

China has reached comprehensive mutual visa exemption arrangements with 29 countries, adopted unilateral visa-free policies for people from 46 countries and allowed citizens of 55 countries to transit in China without a visa, Liu also said.

Visa-free entry has become a major means of entry for foreigners who come to China for tourism, business and trade, he said.