China Extends Visa-Free Transit to 10 Days for Travellers from 54 Countries

China has taken a significant step to attract more international visitors by extending its visa-free transit policy. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Tuesday that the permitted visa-free transit period has been increased from 72-144 hours to a generous 240 hours, or 10 days.

This move aims to bolster international tourism and attract more foreign visitors to the world’s second-largest economy.

China Visa-Free Transit: Key Highlights

• Extended Stay: Eligible travellers can now stay for up to 10 days without a visa in designated areas in China.
• Increased Ports: 21 new ports of entry and exit have been added, bringing the total to 60 open ports across 24 provinces.
• Wider Coverage: The policy now covers 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), significantly expanding the travel options for eligible visitors.  
• Boosting Tourism: This policy relaxation is a significant step towards reviving China’s tourism sector after the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Visa-Free Transit and How It Works

Visa-free transit allows travellers passing through a country to stay for a limited time without a visa. The policy is typically designed to encourage tourism and business activities during stopovers.

In China, travellers from 54 countries can transit through China en route to a third destination, entering the country via any of its 60 designated ports across 24 provinces. The updated 240-hour rule allows visitors to explore key regions while awaiting their next flight.

List of Eligible Countries

Citizens from 54 countries, including major economies like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Brazil, are now eligible for this extended visa-free transit. Travellers must be transiting through China to a third country or region.  

List of Eligible Countries:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Russia  
• Brazil
• Australia
• Germany
• France
• Italy  
• Spain  
• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Thailand

(For a complete list, refer to the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country)

Expanded Entry Points

The number of entry and exit ports for visa-free transit travellers has been increased from 39 to 60, with 21 newly added ports. Notable additions include:

1. Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (Shanxi)
2. Su’nan Shuofang International Airport (Jiangsu)
3. Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (Jiangsu)
4. Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (Zhejiang)
5. Yiwu Airport (Zhejiang)
6. Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (Anhui)
7. Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (Anhui)
8. Fuzhou Changle International Airport (Fujian)
9. Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (Fujian)
10. Wuyishan Airport (Fujian)
11. Nanchang Changbei International Airport (Jiangxi)
12. Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (Shandong)
13. Yantai Penglai International Airport (Shandong)
14. Weihai Dashuipo International Airport (Shandong)
15. Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (Hunan)
16. Nanning Wuxu International Airport (Guangxi)
17. Beihai Fucheng Airport (Guangxi)
18. Haikou Meilan International Airport (Hainan)
19. Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Hainan)
20. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (Sichuan)
21. Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (Guizhou)

This expansion makes it easier for travellers to enter and explore various regions of China.

Who Qualifies for China’s Visa-Free Transit?

To qualify for the visa-free transit policy, travellers must:

• Hold a valid passport.
• Be in transit to a third country or region.
• Arrive and depart through one of the 60 approved ports.

Cross-Province Travel: The visa-free transit policy permits travelers to visit specific areas within the 24 included provinces. For instance, they can explore entire provinces like Anhui, Hainan, and Guizhou, while access in Shanxi Province is limited to key cities such as Taiyuan and Datong

China’s Expanding Visa-Free Initiatives

Since reopening its borders in 2023 after a three-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China has actively relaxed its visa policies. In November 2024, the Foreign Ministry extended visa-free access to travellers from 38 additional countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and cultural exchanges.

Tips for Travelers Utilizing Visa-Free Transit

• Plan Ahead: Ensure your transit itinerary complies with the visa-free rules, including having a confirmed onward ticket.
• Know the Regions: Familiarize yourself with the areas you’re allowed to explore during your stay.
• Check Ports: Verify that your entry and exit points are among the 60 designated ports.

Conclusion

China’s extended visa-free transit policy is a game-changer for international travelers, offering greater flexibility and time to experience the country’s rich heritage and modern marvels. With increasing ease of access and strategic tourism initiatives, China is setting the stage for a thriving tourism sector, welcoming millions of global visitors each year.