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

China has extended its visa-free transit policy to 10 days for travelers from 54 countries, boosting tourism and providing access to 60 open ports across 24 provinces.

China has made a significant change to its visa-free transit policy, allowing eligible foreign travelers to stay for up to 10 days without a visa. This update impacts visitors from 54 countries, including major nations like the US, UK, Canada, and many others, providing them with an extended time to explore China. With this move, China is aiming to boost its tourism sector by offering more opportunities for visitors to enjoy its rich culture and scenic destinations.

Key Highlights of China’s New Visa-Free Transit Policy

Extended Stay: Travelers from 54 eligible countries can now stay for up to 10 days without needing a visa.
Increased Entry Points: The policy now covers 60 open ports across 24 provinces, making it easier for visitors to enter China from various locations.
Broader Coverage: With the expansion, travelers have more regions to explore, enhancing their transit experience within China.
Tourism Boost: This step is part of China’s efforts to revive its tourism industry following the pandemic.

What Does the Visa-Free Transit Policy Include?

Visa-free transit allows travelers to stay in China temporarily without needing a visa. This policy is designed to encourage tourism, allowing visitors to explore Chinese cities during layovers or before continuing their journey to a third country.

Travelers from eligible nations can transit through China and stay up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, provided they are on their way to a third destination. The expanded policy now includes 60 approved entry and exit points across China’s 24 provinces.

Countries Eligible for China’s Extended Visa-Free Transit

Citizens from 54 countries can now take advantage of the visa-free transit for up to 10 days. These include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Australia, Germany, France, and many others. Visitors must be transiting through China on their way to another country.

New Entry Points Added to the Visa-Free Transit List

The number of entry and exit ports has increased from 39 to 60, providing more convenient options for travelers. Notable new ports include:

Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (Shanxi)
Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (Jiangsu)
Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (Anhui)
Fuzhou Changle International Airport (Fujian)
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Hainan)

This expansion allows travelers to explore a wider range of regions across China.

How Does China’s Visa-Free Transit Work?

To qualify for visa-free transit in China, travelers must:

Hold a Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
Be in Transit to a Third Country: Travelers must be continuing their journey to another country after entering China.
Enter Through Designated Ports: Entry and exit must occur at one of the 60 approved ports.
Explore Specific Regions: The visa-free transit allows travel within the provinces included in the policy, such as Anhui, Hainan, and Guizhou. However, some provinces like Shanxi have more restricted travel options.

China’s Ongoing Efforts to Boost International Tourism

Since reopening its borders in 2023, China has been gradually relaxing its visa policies. The extension of the visa-free transit period is part of broader efforts to attract more international tourists. Additionally, in November 2024, the Chinese government extended visa-free access to travelers from 38 more countries for stays up to 30 days.

Tips for Travelers Using China’s Visa-Free Transit

Confirm Your Itinerary: Ensure your transit complies with the new visa-free rules, including having a valid onward ticket.
Research Regions: Be sure to check which provinces are covered under the visa-free transit policy.
Verify Ports: Ensure that your entry and exit points are part of the 60 approved ports.

China’s new visa-free transit policy is a major step forward for international travelers, offering greater flexibility and ease of access. By extending the allowed stay to 10 days and adding more entry points, China is poised to make its tourism sector more attractive to global visitors. Whether you’re transiting through China for business or leisure, this update makes it easier to explore the country’s fascinating culture and scenic wonders.