Foreign tour groups travelling to Hainan from Hong Kong and Macau are now eligible for the 144-hour visa-free policy.

According to an announcement by the National Immigration Administration on Tuesday, the new policy applies to passport holders from countries that have established diplomatic relations with China.

Here is how it works: After arriving in Hong Kong or Macau, travellers can join a group tour of at least two to Hainan, organised by travel agencies. Once in Hainan, visitors will be able to stay for up to 144 hours.

The initiative is touted as an important step in supporting the tropical island’s plans for high-level openness and the ongoing development of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

In June 2020, Hainan, located in the southernmost part of China, revised duty-free shopping regulations, increasing the annual per-head allowance from RMB30,000 (US$4,137/MOP33,352) to RMB100,000.

Meanwhile, the previous cap of RMB8,000 for individual items was removed.

At least 12 duty-free shops have since been established across the island, covering major tourist cities on the south, north and east coasts.

According to the administration, 41 entry points in 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities have visa-free policies for arrivals from 54 foreign countries, allowing stays of 72 or 144 hours.

Macau Business