HAIKOU /China/, August 24. /TASS/. South China’s Hainan Province has expanded the list of countries eligible for its 30-day visa-free policy to 61, China’s National Immigration Administration said.

According to a post on the agency’s WeChat account, residents of two more countries, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, became eligible for the policy on August 20. Citizens of these countries in other parts of China outside Hainan are also eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit.

The agency noted that throughout their stay in China’s southernmost province, foreign nationals entering visa-free with ordinary passports may remain on the island for tourism, business, or private visits. However, those wishing to visit Hainan for work, study, or journalistic activities must still obtain the appropriate authorization document in advance.

According to China’s immigration authorities, expanding the visa-free policy in Hainan is a "practical measure aimed at systematically increasing high-level openness." The policy is expected to promote "building a community with a shared future," fostering even closer ties between China and neighboring countries, enhancing mutual trust, and advancing international cooperation across a range of areas.

Simplifying entry procedures and conditions of stay in Hainan is expected to promote the development of trade, investment projects, as well as cultural and humanitarian programs. The agency noted that as the province becomes more open, local authorities face the task of ensuring that cross-border passenger flows remain safe and orderly.

According to China’s National Immigration Administration, a well-balanced combination of measures to increase openness and maintain border controls "will more effectively promote high-quality development."