China's Ministry of Public Security will take a series of measures to make foreign visitors' Expo-themed trips more convenient.

According to a statement released Friday, travelers from 32 foreign countries will not be required to receive a transit visa if they stop over at the Hongqiao Airport or the Pudong International Airport for less than 48 hours during the Shanghai World Expo from May 1 to Oct. 31.

The travelers may receive approval from the local exit and entry administration if they want to leave the airports temporarily.

The statement did not specify which 32 countries.

During the event, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou will set up green channels to speed up procedures to enter and leave the country for Expo workers, exhibition personnel and visitors, the statement said.

A special lobby will also be set up in the Expo venue to provide visa-related service for foreign visitors and working personnel and their family members, with simplified procedures to apply for visas and temporary stay permission.

In addition, a Chinese-English bilingual 24-hour hotline will be set up to provide exit-entry information.

It is estimated the Shanghai World Expo will attract 70 million visitors to the city.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2010)