Individual Visit Scheme expands to Xi’an and Qingdao

Xiían city and Qingdao city will be included in the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), allowing travelers from these cities to visit Macau and Hong Kong in two weeks. The State Council granted the approval, according to the country’s customs authorities Friday.

Visa issuance will commence as early as March 6.

In the case of Hong Kong, individuals can receive a maximum of two visa endorsements in a three-month period. Alternatively, they can get one endorsement per year or two endorsements annually.

For Macau, residents of Xi’an city and Qingdao city can get a visa once every three months or once annually. People from these two cities can complete the necessary paperwork in person or electronically at designated venues if they wish to travel to the two special administrative regions.

Each traveler will be allowed to stay in Hong Kong and Macau for a maximum of seven days.

Currently, 49 mainland Chinese cities are eligible under the IVS.

Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, hailed the State Council’s endorsement, noting the government would “work together with the local tourism industry to continuously optimize Macau’s tourism resources and capacity to receive tourists, actively responding to the favorable measures provided by the Central Government.”

The official also said there had been improvements regarding immigration measures, customs clearance and transportation arrangements, making it more convenient for visitors to come to Macau. Staff Reporter