Zhang Yang

    nicolezyyy@163.com

    SHENZHEN is expected to begin allowing 72-hour visa-free entry for foreigners during the first half of this year, according to a spokesperson for the Shenzhen Airport Group Co. Ltd.

    The spokesperson, who declined to be named, said the policy is being finalized and is expected to be put into practice in the first half of this year.

    “The new policy will enhance the airport’s international services and optimize its port service functions,” the spokesperson said Thursday.

    The spokesperson added that tax refund services for foreigners and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan will probably be introduced at the airport in the first half of this year.

    Under the new policy, holders of passports issued by 51 countries do not need a visa if transiting through Shenzhen International Airport, provided they hold valid visas for third countries and plane tickets.

    The 72-hour visa-free transit policy has been introduced in 18 cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen.

    The 72-hour visa-free entry policy is different from the 24-hour visa-free entry, which is available to any nationality.

    In 2015, the Shenzhen airport handled more than 40 million travelers, with 12 million staying in the city for at least one night.

    More international air routes will be opened this year, including routes from Shenzhen to Paris, Melbourne, Seattle, Jakarta and the Maldives. It is hoped that there will be at least 200 international flights each week, according to the airport authority.