China Expands Visa-Free Transit Policy for 54 Countries
On December 17th, the National Immigration Administration of China unveiled a major enhancement to its visa-free transit policy. This new policy grants travelers from 54 eligible countries a significant opportunity to transit through China for up to 240 hours (10 days)—a substantial improvement from the previous 72- and 144-hour limits. The policy shift allows travelers more time to explore China while en route to a third country.
Key Changes in the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Extended Stay Duration
Travelers can now stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa. This extension provides ample time to explore cities, enjoy the culture, and experience China’s rich history.
More Ports of Entry
The policy introduces 60 open ports for visa-free transit, making it easier for international travelers to enter and exit China. This includes airports, seaports, and railway stations across the country.
21 New Ports Added
The government has added 21 new ports of entry, including major international airports in provinces like Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and more. This opens up new travel routes and enhances connectivity for international travelers.
Who Can Benefit from the New Policy?
Travelers from 54 eligible countries, including Russia, Brazil, the UK, the US, and Canada, can now benefit from this new policy. These travelers can transit through 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China, making it easier to visit top destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
Expanded Regional Access
Along with the extended stay duration, the policy introduces new access to 5 additional provinces: Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou. Some provinces have specific cities included in the visa-free stay, while others, like Fujian and Hubei, now offer access across the entire province.
Maximizing Your Visit to China
This new visa-free policy opens up exciting travel opportunities. Visitors can explore multiple cities, travel between provinces, and immerse themselves in local culture, all within 10 days. Whether it’s exploring Xi’an’s ancient wonders or experiencing the modern vibrancy of Shanghai, travelers now have the freedom to enjoy China at their own pace.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your nationality is part of the 54 eligible countries.
- Plan Your Itinerary: With access to 24 provinces and 60 entry ports, you can plan to visit multiple cities during your stay.
- Understand Activity Zones: Some regions may limit travel to specific cities, so check where you can stay and explore.
This visa-free transit policy is a game-changer for international travelers, offering an excellent chance to explore China without the pressure of short stays. Whether you are transiting between international flights or simply extending your layover, this is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into China’s diverse culture, history, and landscapes.
Attachement 1: The complete list of 54 countries eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, grouped by continent/region
Visa-free transit passengers are allowed to stay for 240 hours across designated activity areas within 24 provinces (regions and municipalities).
Ports and Activity Areas Covered by the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy.
The text in blue represents the newly added provinces (regions, municipalities), ports, and stay/activity areas covered by the policy.
| # | Province (City) | Port | Stay/Activity Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport | Beijing |
| 2 | Beijing Daxing International Airport | ||
| 3 | Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport | Tianjin |
| 4 | Tianjin Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 5 | Hebei | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport | Hebei |
| 6 | Qinhuangdao Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 7 | Liaoning | Shenyang Taoxian International Airport | Liaoning |
| 8 | Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport | ||
| 9 | Dalian Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 10 | Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | Shanghai |
| 11 | Shanghai Pudong International Airport | ||
| 12 | Shanghai Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 13 | Jiangsu | Nanjing Lukou International Airport | Jiangsu |
| 14 | |||
| 15 | |||
| 16 | Lianyungang Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 17 | Zhejiang | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport | Zhejiang |
| 18 | Ningbo Lishe International Airport | ||
| 19 | |||
| 20 | |||
| 21 | Wenzhou Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 22 | Zhoushan Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 23 | Anhui | ||
| 24 | |||
| 25 | Fujian | ||
| 26 | Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport | ||
| 27 | |||
| 28 | |||
| 29 | Xiamen Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 30 | Shandong | Shandong | |
| 31 | Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport | ||
| 32 | |||
| 33 | |||
| 34 | Qingdao Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 35 | Henan | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport | Henan |
| 36 | Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport | |
| 37 | Hunan | Changsha Huanghua International Airport | Hunan |
| 38 | |||
| 39 | Guangdong | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | Guangdong (All open ports in the province) |
| 40 | Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | ||
| 41 | Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport | ||
| 42 | Nansha Port (Passenger) | ||
| 43 | Shekou Port (Passenger) | ||
| 44 | Hainan | ||
| 45 | |||
| 46 | Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | Chongqing |
| 47 | Guizhou | ||
| 48 | Shaanxi | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport | |
| 49 | Shanxi | ||
| 50 | Heilongjiang | Harbin Taiping International Airport | Harbin |
| 51 | Jiangxi | ||
| 52 | Guangxi | Guilin, Beihai, | |
| 53 | Guilin Liangjiang International Airport | ||
| 54 | |||
| 55 | Beihai Seaport (Passenger) | ||
| 56 | Sichuan | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya’an, Meishan, Ziyang (11 cities) |
| 57 | Sichuan | ||
| 58 | Yunnan | Kunming Changshui International Airport | Kunming, Yuxi, Chuxiong, Honghe, Wenshan, Pu’er, Xishuangbanna, Dali, Lijiang (9 cities/states) |
| 59 | Lijiang Sanyi International Airport | ||
| 60 | Mohan Railway Port |
Attachement 2: The complete list of ports and activity areas covered by the 240-hour visa-free transit policy
The list of 54 countries eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, grouped by continent/region:
| Continent/Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway |
| North America | United States, Canada |
| South America | Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Asia | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar |
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