UK Foreign Office updates China travel advice, adds drone rules and typhoon guidance
Record 369 million border crossings logged in H1 2026, NIA reports
New Huanggang Check-point Enters Final Testing, Promising 5-Minute Shenzhen-Hong Kong Clearance
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Beijing Capital Airport projects 12 million-plus passengers over summer peak
Beijing Capital International Airport expects to handle more than 12 million passengers and 73,000 flights during the July-August peak, with the first week of August set to see record daily volumes. International demand is rebounding fastest, helped by China’s visa-free policies and restored long-haul routes. Extra e-gates and border-control desks aim to keep queues under 30 minutes, but mobility planners should prepare staff for congestion and book early for August events.
UK names new Trade Commissioner for China and Hong Kong, signalling deeper commercial engagement
On 15 July the UK appointed veteran diplomat Kate Harrisson as its new Trade Commissioner for China and Hong Kong. Her arrival, after a successful UK-China JETCO meeting this month, is expected to catalyse more UK trade missions and could pave the way for streamlined visa facilitation for Chinese executives.
Greek consulate reopens visa centres across South China, easing Schengen backlog
Greece’s Guangzhou consulate announced on 15 July that its visa application centres in five South China cities have fully reopened, ending months of capacity restrictions. All Schengen applications from the region must now be submitted through the relevant VAC, with expanded biometric slots and express options reinstated—welcome news for firms sending staff to Greece or the wider EU.
Huanggang/Lok Ma Chau 24-hour border to debut ‘co-operative inspection’ on 31 July
Hong Kong on 15 July confirmed that the rebuilt Huanggang/Lok Ma Chau border control point will come online at midnight on 31 July, using a single-hall, “one stop” clearance model. Processing capacity quadruples and clearance time is expected to drop to five minutes, sharply improving daily commuting and cargo flows between Hong Kong and Shenzhen’s tech hubs. Firms should update travel policies and remind staff that health-declaration rules still apply.
Germany flags heavy-rain risks in updated China travel advisory
Berlin updated its China travel advice on 15 July, adding warnings about flight and rail disruption caused by heavy rains following Typhoon Bavi while keeping 30-day visa-free entry unchanged. German employers should prepare for transport delays and remind travellers to complete China’s e-arrival form.
China logs record 369 million cross-border trips in H1 2026 as visa-free arrivals jump 30%
China processed a record 369 million border crossings in the first half of 2026; foreign entries rose 20.6 % and visa-free arrivals jumped 30.6 % to 17.8 million. The data show Beijing’s expanded 30-day visa-waiver scheme and regional exemptions are driving a robust rebound in business and leisure travel—critical intelligence for companies restarting China assignments and short-term visits.
Cathay Pacific Adds Four Latin-American Cities to Network via Iberia Code-Share
From late October, Cathay Pacific customers can book single-ticket itineraries from Hong Kong and mainland feeders to four new Latin American cities via Madrid, thanks to a fresh code-share with Iberia. The tie-up broadens market access for Chinese firms and offers travellers a US-visa-free routing to South America.
China mobilises transport recovery after Typhoon Bavi; e-gates and visa services back online
Chinese ministries released emergency funds and reopened airports, highways and e-gates on 15 July as Typhoon Bavi weakened. Airlines are allowing free rebooking, and immigration will forgive short overstays, smoothing travel for business visitors caught by the storm.
Gongbei land port tops 31 million daily crossings as GBA summer tourism booms
CNTour reported on 15 July that Zhuhai’s Gongbei checkpoint is processing more than 31 million border crossings a day, buoyed by summer holiday travel and Macau events. All e-gates are open and special lanes introduced, but corporates should anticipate weekend congestion and pre-enrol staff for e-channels.
Hong Kong Gazettes Bill for Joint Immigration Checks at Upgraded Shenzhen Crossing
Hong Kong has published draft legislation to launch the first joint-inspection land border with Shenzhen. The co-located facility will slash clearance times, easing daily commutes and business travel within the Greater Bay Area. Companies should update travel policies to take advantage of the streamlined route.
China’s 15th Five-Year Plan Pledges Wider Visa-Free Entry and More Direct Flights
China’s newly approved 15th Five-Year Plan for consumption growth puts global mobility front and centre. The government will enlarge its visa-free list, fine-tune transit-visa waivers and accelerate new direct air routes, all aimed at boosting inbound spending and business travel. Employers should expect easier entry and better connectivity for staff and clients over the coming four years.
China Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for 77 Countries to 31 December 2026
Beijing has prolonged its 30-day visa-free entry programme for visitors from 77 countries through 31 December 2026, ensuring hassle-free travel during the coming 18 months. The extension removes uncertainty for business travellers and signals China’s determination to keep borders open as it courts foreign investment and tourism.
Xinhua Spotlight: China Accelerates ‘Smart Border’ Roll-Out to Meet Record Travel Demand
Facing record cross-border volumes, China has accelerated deployment of e-gates, online entry cards and risk-based cargo channels. Travellers using major airports and Guangdong land ports can now clear immigration in seconds, while exporters benefit from faster vessel turnaround. Businesses should integrate the new digital tools into travel workflows.
Riyadh Air Wins CAAC Approval for Seven Weekly Flights to Beijing and Shanghai
Start-up carrier Riyadh Air has secured CAAC approval for thrice-weekly Riyadh–Beijing and four-times-weekly Riyadh–Shanghai flights, adding seven non-stop links between Saudi Arabia and China. The new services promise shorter journey times for business travellers, fresh cargo capacity and heightened competition on a fast-growing corridor.
China Formally Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Scheme to 31 December 2026
China has pushed the expiry of its 30-day visa-free entry scheme for nationals of 17 countries to 31 December 2026. The move provides cost and planning certainty for firms sending staff on short-term business trips, though work visa requirements remain unchanged.
‘Shanghai Summer’ Campaign Partners with Visa to Make Payments Easier for Overseas Visitors
Shanghai’s summer promotion has teamed up with Visa to roll out dual-currency QR codes and instant virtual cards, making everyday payments far easier for foreign visitors and assignees. The initiative supports the city’s push to convert record inbound arrivals into consumer spending.
China Handles Record 369 Million Border Crossings in First Half of 2026
The National Immigration Administration says China processed a record 369 million border crossings in H1 2026, with foreign arrivals—especially visa-free entries—rising sharply. The data confirm that China’s mobility rebound is gaining pace and that companies can confidently scale up travel and assignment plans.