On Tuesday, the National Immigration Administration announced a 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering Hainan province from Hong Kong or Macao starting from July 30.

According to the notice, citizens holding ordinary passports from countries with diplomatic relations with China can enjoy visa-free travel to Hainan for up to 144 hours after visiting the Hong Kong or Macao special administrative regions and joining a tour group of two or more individuals organized by a legally registered travel agency in Hong Kong or Macao.

Visitors must enter and exit as a group through designated open ports in Hainan, with activities limited to the province. The duration of stay will be calculated starting from the day after entry.

The new policy is the latest measure taken by the administration to further support the comprehensive deepening of high-level opening up in Hainan and to provide services for the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, according to a representative from the National Immigration Administration.

This move aims to promote Hainan as a highland of openness with a favorable business environment. Additionally, the policy is expected to facilitate the economic development of Hong Kong and Macao, promote exchanges between the two regions and the Hainan Free Trade Port, and better integrate them into the national development framework.

The representative said the administration will continue to optimize and improve regional visa-free entry policies, further advance the immigration management system, and more openly welcome foreign nationals to China.