Hainan to broaden visa-free access

Visa-free access to the tropical island province of Hainan will likely become easier and available to more people for longer periods due to proposed changes in existing policy, the Ministry of Public Security's State Immigration Administration said on Wednesday.

Foreign visitors from 59 countries will no longer have to book their trips in advance through travel agencies, and will instead be able to apply for visa-free entry on their own or through organizations that invite them to Hainan, according to draft changes to the policy released by the administration.

Visit purposes eligible for visa-free entry will be extended from travel to include business and trade, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions and sports competitions.