Wuxi expands convenience for foreigners

WUXI, Jiangsu —Wuxi has released Measures to Facilitate the Entry and Stay of Foreign Nationals in Wuxi (Version 2.0) to enhance convenience for doing business, working, living, traveling, and receiving medical services in the city. Building on a package introduced two years ago, the updated measures provide faster transit processing, streamlined tax refunds, and broader support for daily life.

In 2025, Wuxi's airport handled nearly 55,000 inbound foreign passengers, up 18.68 percent year on year. In the first three months of 2026, the number of inbound overnight visitors rose 16.7 percent, while tourism foreign-exchange revenue reached nearly US$120 million. The upgraded measures come as international travel to Wuxi continues to grow and reflect Jiangsu's broader effort to build a globally connected hub for two-way opening-up.

Arriving With Ease

Wuxi's 240-hour visa-free transit policy has been in place for a year, with facial-recognition clearance taking about 10 to 15 seconds. The upgraded measures aim to further reduce waiting times and administrative barriers at the point of arrival.

The new package adds dedicated service areas for 24-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit at the airport's arrival inspection area, as well as visa application transfer services at ports in the Yangtze River Delta region — including Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui — for eligible and creditworthy enterprises in Wuxi. It also enables online completion of arrival cards.

Buying With Ease

Wuxi now has 93 stores offering tax-refunds services. In the first half of 2026, customs have verified tax-refund applications with a total value of nearly 1.5 million yuan. At Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport, eligible travellers can now complete certain small-value exit tax-refund claims without physical inspection. A "sealing and coding" service has also been introduced to avoid unpacking inspection upon departure.

The measures extend beyond tax refunds. Wuxi plans to improve duty-free shop layouts at the airport, offer discounts linked to air tickets, passports and overseas bank cards, issue dedicated consumption vouchers, and develop tourism packages during events such as the Wuxi Marathon and Jiangsu Football City League matches.

Staying With Ease

Matthias, a Swiss engineer with Bühler Machinery Manufacturing was among the first recipients of the new Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, known as the "Five-Star Card". He said the card can be used at scenic spots and on the metro, helping him feel more at home in Wuxi. To facilitate the time here for people like Matthias, the upgraded measures broaden support for payments, education, healthcare, and community life. Foreign nationals are entitled to equal access to local public transport services, while more than 3,000 key merchants are accepting overseas bankcards. The city is also building a network offering five categories of foreign-currency exchange services.

Wuxi aims to establish more than 100 service windows or clinics able to receive foreign nationals, explore the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals, and support expatriate associations.

Also, foreign nationals traveling to Wuxi for non-diplomatic and non-official purposes may apply for a port visa through an expedited procedure upon presentation of an invitation letter or other supporting documents.

Wuxi's new facilitation package translates broader Jiangsu provincial priorities into practical services at airport counters, government service centres, and everyday consumer situations. The city is working to make its Jiangnan character and modern economy more accessible to international residents and visitors.

Source：intl.ourjiangsu.com