Belt and Road: China fast-tracks passport control at 18 ports

Container volume at Shanghai rises by 12.4%
PHOTO CREDIT: China Daily

China is offering fast-track services at 18 border ports to increase support for the Belt and Road Initiative, said Qu Yunhai, deputy director of the State Immigration Administration.

Chinese and foreign tourists as well as vehicles involved in key projects and meetings under the initiative can now enjoy rapid customs clearance at 12 airports, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and six land ports, including Manzhouli, Erenhot and Horgos, said Qu.

Authorities will offer a green channel to help employees of Chinese companies in the Belt and Road Initiative process their visa applications quickly to save costs and time, it was explained.

Foreigners who are invited to China to participate in any Belt and Road events, conferences, and key projects will also have their visa processed rapidly if they can offer proof from the Chinese side.

The time to process visas for spouses and children of foreigners invited to participate in the Belt and Road will also be cut from 15 working days to five.

For foreign crew members who join the maritime transport for Belt and Road, the time to issue a visa will be shortened from seven working days to three, or same day in some cases.