China Eases Transit Visa Policies, 72/144-Hour → 240-Hour Stay
In a significant move to enhance international travel and strengthen ties between China and the world, the National Immigration Administration of China has announced a comprehensive relaxation of its transit visa policies.
Effective immediately, foreign nationals from 54 eligible countries can now transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days), a notable extension from the previous 72 and 144-hour visa-free stay options.
This policy change aims to facilitate smoother international transit for travelers, boost tourism, and promote economic and cultural exchanges between China and the world. Under this updated regulation, travelers from countries such as Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and others can now enjoy a seamless transit experience. They can stay for up to 10 days in China while traveling to a third country, with a broad range of 60 open ports of entry across 24 provinces and cities.
Expanding Access to More Airports
The updated policy significantly expands the list of airports and ports available to international travelers. The new regulations introduce 21 additional airports to the list.
These new additions bring the total number of open ports for visa-free transit up to 60, providing greater flexibility for international travelers.
A Vastly Expanded Stay Area
The expansion of visa-free transit not only increases the number of airports but also extends the regions where travelers can stay. The new policy now covers 24 provinces and cities across China, including new additions like Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou. The designated stay zones have been expanded to include the entire province in some cases, and specific cities in others. For example, in Anhui, Hainan, and Guizhou, travelers can move freely throughout the entire province, while in Shanxi, the area is limited to Taiyuan and Datong.
In certain other provinces, such as Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi, the area available for stay has also been increased to include the entire province, enhancing the travel experience for foreign nationals. Additionally, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the zone now spans 12 cities, including Nanning, Liuzhou, and Guilin.
As China continues to open its doors to the world, it invites travelers to come, explore, and experience the beauty and dynamism of the nation firsthand.
