Hainan upbeat on new 144-hour visa-free policy

Hainan's embrace of the 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tour groups entering the island province from Hong Kong or Macao has led to the development of more than 20 tourism products and routes tailored for such visitors, Liu Cheng, deputy director of the Hainan Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Film, Television, Publications and Sports, said at a news conference in the provincial capital, Haikou, on Wednesday.

Since Tuesday, people holding ordinary passports from countries with diplomatic relations with China have been able to enjoy visa-free travel to Hainan for up to 144 hours after visiting Hong Kong or Macao and joining a tour group of two or more people organized by a legally registered travel agency in Hong Kong or Macao, according to a notice issued by the National Immigration Administration.

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.