December 19th, 2024 at 05:18 am

China Expands Visa-Free Transit Policy: 10-Day Stay Now Permitted for Visitors from 54 Nations

China has recently enhanced its visa-free transit policy, allowing eligible foreign travelers to stay for up to 240 hours or 10 days. This significant change opens new opportunities for visitors from 54 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

With this policy expansion, travelers can now explore more of China during their transit periods. This update covers 60 open ports across 24 provinces, significantly broadening travel options within the country.

Overview of the Visa-Free Transit Policy

China’s decision to relax its visa-free transit policy reflects its commitment to boosting international tourism. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced that the permitted visa-free transit duration has increased from 72-144 hours to a generous 240 hours. This change aims to attract more foreign visitors to China, enhancing its status as a key player in the global economy.

Key Highlights of the Visa-Free Transit Policy

• Extended Stay: Eligible travelers can now enjoy a 10-day stay without needing a visa in designated areas of China.
• Increased Ports: The number of entry and exit ports has grown from 39 to 60, adding 21 new ports.
• Wider Coverage: The policy now encompasses 24 provinces, including autonomous regions and municipalities, expanding travel options for eligible visitors.
• Boosting Tourism: This policy relaxation marks a significant step toward revitalizing China’s tourism sector post-COVID-19.

Understanding Visa-Free Transit

Visa-free transit allows travelers to enter a country for a limited duration without a visa. This policy aims to promote tourism and business activities during stopovers. In China’s case, travelers from 54 eligible countries can transit through China while heading to a third destination.

They can enter via any of the 60 designated ports across 24 provinces. The new 240-hour rule allows visitors to explore key regions while waiting for their next flight.

List of Eligible Countries

Citizens from 54 countries can now take advantage of this extended visa-free transit. Major economies such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Brazil are included. Travelers must transit through China to reach a third country or region.

Eligible Countries Include:

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

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

Expanded Entry Points

The recent policy change has increased the number of entry and exit ports for visa-free transit travelers from 39 to 60. Notable additions include:

• Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (Shanxi)
• Su’nan Shuofang International Airport (Jiangsu)
• Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (Jiangsu)
• Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (Zhejiang)
• Yiwu Airport (Zhejiang)
• Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (Anhui)
• Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (Anhui)
• Fuzhou Changle International Airport (Fujian)
• Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (Fujian)
• Wuyishan Airport (Fujian)
• Nanchang Changbei International Airport (Jiangxi)
• Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (Shandong)
• Yantai Penglai International Airport (Shandong)
• Weihai Dashuipo International Airport (Shandong)
• Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (Hunan)
• Nanning Wuxu International Airport (Guangxi)
• Beihai Fucheng Airport (Guangxi)
• Haikou Meilan International Airport (Hainan)
• Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Hainan)
• Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (Sichuan)
• Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (Guizhou)

This expansion simplifies entry for travelers, allowing them to explore diverse regions of China.

Eligibility Criteria for Visa-Free Transit

To qualify for the visa-free transit policy, travelers must meet specific criteria:

• 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. However, access in Shanxi Province is limited to key cities such as Taiyuan and Datong.

China’s Broader 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 travelers from 38 additional countries. This extension allows stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and cultural exchanges.

Tips for Travelers Utilizing Visa-Free Transit

If you plan to take advantage of China’s visa-free transit policy, consider these practical tips:

• 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.

Further Thoughts

China’s extended visa-free transit policy represents a significant opportunity for international travelers. It offers greater flexibility and time to experience the country’s rich heritage and modern attractions.

With increased ease of access and strategic tourism initiatives, China is positioning itself for a robust tourism sector. This policy change aims to welcome millions of global visitors each year, enhancing cultural exchange and economic collaboration.

In summary, the expansion of China’s visa-free transit policy not only facilitates travel but also demonstrates the country’s commitment to revitalizing its tourism industry post-pandemic. As travelers consider their plans, this policy opens new avenues for exploration and connection within China.

China Extended Visa-Free Stay

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China announced this significant change. The visa-free stay will now extend from 15 days to 30 days. This adjustment aims to provide more flexibility for travelers and make China a more appealing destination. The new policy will be in effect from November 30, 2024, until December 31, 2025, on an experimental basis. It is expected to attract both tourists and business travelers.

New Countries Added to the Visa-Free List

In addition to the extended stay period, China is welcoming nine new countries into its visa-free program. The countries joining this initiative include:

• Bulgaria
• Romania
• Croatia
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Malta
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Japan

With these additions, the total number of countries eligible for visa-free entry into China will rise to 38.

Visa-Free Policy for Exchange Visits

Another exciting change is the introduction of a new category for visa-free stays. China will now allow exchange visits, designated as “Type F” stays, without requiring a visa. This update aims to promote educational and cultural exchanges between China and other nations.

A Growing List of Eligible Countries

The visa-free initiative first launched in December 2023. It initially targeted travelers from six European countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Over the past year, the program has expanded significantly. From November 30, 2024, citizens from the following 38 countries can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Switzerland

Significant Growth in Tourism

China’s visa-free policy has already led to a notable increase in international tourism. In the third quarter of 2024, the country welcomed 8.19 million foreign visitors. This figure represents a remarkable 48.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Among these travelers, 4.89 million took advantage of the visa-free entry, showcasing a 78.6% year-on-year surge.

Who Needs a Visa?

While the extended visa-free stay is a positive development, not all travelers will qualify. The Chinese Embassy in Japan has clarified that those who do not meet the visa exemption criteria must apply for a visa before entering China. This ensures that travelers are aware of their requirements before planning their trips.