As part of China’s continuous effort to strengthen exchanges and collaborations between Chinese citizens and foreign nationals, the Chinese government has further expanded its visa-free transit policies to promote people-to-people exchanges between China and overseas countries.
On December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China made an official announcement regarding a major expansion of its visa-free transit policy, effective the same day. Under the new policy, the visa-free transit period has been extended from the previous 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days).
Additionally, 21 new ports of entry have been added, increasing the total number of visa-free entry/exit points to 60. The geographic coverage of the policy has been expanded to include five new provinces: Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou, increasing the total coverage to 24 provinces, further expanding the area of stay and activities.
The policy applies to citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Eligible travelers must be in transit to a third country or region. An interline ticket (connecting ticket) with the confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 240 hours is required. Entering through any of the 60 ports, eligible travelers can stay for a period of no more than 240 hours.
Throughout 2024, China continued to optimize its policies on visa-free transit, regional visa-free entry, and visas at ports, further expanding the scope of unilateral visa-free entry and mutual visa-free entry, and continuously enhancing the convenience of foreigners coming to and staying in China.
The expanded visa-free transit policy is expected to yield significant economic benefits, representing a significant step in China's ongoing efforts to improve its international accessibility.
If you have any questions or would like more information on the issues discussed in this LawFlash, please contact any of the following: