China extends visa-free transit stay to 240 hours (10 days)

Following the approval of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the National Immigration Administration (NAI) has decided to further relax and optimize Visa-free transit policy for foreigners, with immediate effect.

The new announcement is given as follows:

• Extended length of stay.
• Expanded list of ports.
• Expansion of the areas permitted for visa-free transit travellers.
• 55 countries eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

Extended length of stay

The length of stay for foreigners eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days).

Expanded list of ports

A total of 21 airports have been added to the list of ports under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign citizens. Accordingly, the total number of ports included in the list has increased from 39 to 60.

Expansion of permitted areas for visa-free transit travellers

The number of provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) that can be visited under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has been increased from the original 19 to 24. After the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, citizens of the 55 eligible countries can enter visa-free from any of the 60 ports opened in the 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) with valid international travel documents y Interline passenger tickets with specific dates and seats when traveling from China to a third country (region), and stay within the areas permitted for visa-free transit travelers for no more than 240 hours. (Subject to relevant provisions if they correspond to a mutual visa exemption agreement signed with China or China's unilateral visa exemption). During their stay, visa-free transit travelers can participate in tourism, business, visits, family visits and other activities, while activities such as work, study and news reporting that require prior approval must be carried out with the necessary visas in advance.

List of ports and areas permitted for visa-free transit travelers under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy

Visa-free transit travellers can make transprovincial visits in permitted areas in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) for 240 hours.

55 countries eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit policy [continuous updates]