China will fully resume fast-track entry and exit at ports to further facilitate the exchange of Chinese nationals and foreign personnel from May 15, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Thursday.

According to the circular released by the NIA, based on the resumption of fast-track channels at ports adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao on January 8, citizens in the Chinese mainland holding ordinary passports, permits for travel to and from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan holding valid permits for travel to and from the mainland will be able to use the fast-track channels.

Those with valid foreign passports, permanent residence permits for foreigners, foreign electronic passports and residence permits for foreigners valid for more than six months will also be allowed to use the channels, it said.

Chinese crew members working on scheduled international flights and foreign crew members who travel visa-free or have obtained flight attendant/employment visas or residence permits for one year or above can use the channel.

Meanwhile, China will fully resume the nationwide program for group travel permits for Chinese mainland residents to Hong Kong and Macao.

Mainland residents can apply for permits to visit relatives, work and study in Hong Kong and Macao, or for medical treatment, litigation, and property-related affairs, at any exit and entry administration center across the country.

Immigration authorities will also adjust the validity period of visas for mainland students studying in Macao from a maximum of one year to the same period of their studies.