China adds Xi’an, Qingdao to eligible cities for IVS exit visas

The list of mainland population centers eligible for Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) departure permits has been expanded by the Chinese State Council to include Xi’an and Qingdao, bringing the total to 51.

The National Immigration Administration of the nation made the announcement on Friday, and the action will go into effect on March 6.

The only people who may apply for the IVS to go to Macau or Hong Kong are those who have a resident permit from either Xi’an or Qingdao. The capacity to apply for a permit every three months or once a year for travel to Macau is one of the specific requirements for IVS travel from these two locations.

The IVS system was implemented in Guangdong province in 2003 and expanded over time, allowing individuals from the mainland to travel alone to Macau and Hong Kong instead of going with a tour group. When determining a candidate’s eligibility for the IVS program, the level of economic development has been taken into account.

With a population of 13 million and a per capita GDP of around $11,000 in 2020, Xi’an is located in the Shaanxi province. With a population of 10 million and a per capita GDP of around US$18,000 in the same year, Qingdao is located in Shandong province.

Out of the slightly over 19 million mainland visitors in 2023, approximately 10.6 million arrived on IVS visas, making up over 55% of Macau’s total mainland visitors.

Starting on Thursday, Xia Baolong is on a seven-day “inspection tour” in Hong Kong, which is coinciding with the IVS expansion. Xia is the director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office as well as the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s Hong Kong and Macao Work Office.

Original story by: GGRAsia