China Upgrades 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit to 10-Day Stay, Adds 21 Ports

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China has announced a major expansion and optimization of its visa-free transit policy, effective December 17, 2024. Under the upgraded policy, eligible foreign travelers transiting through China can now stay for up to 240 hours (10 days), a significant extension from the previous 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policy. In addition, 21 new ports have been added, increasing the total number of visa-free entry/exit points to 60 across 24 provinces.

This strategic adjustment reflects China’s commitment to facilitating international travel, enhancing foreign engagement, and supporting high-level economic openness.

Key highlights of China’s expanded visa-free transit policy

Extended stay duration

Eligible foreign travelers transiting through China can now enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 240 hours (10 days), allowing for more flexible itineraries and in-depth exploration of permitted regions.

Expanded entry and exit ports

An additional 21 ports have been added to China’s visa-free transit program, covering major international airports in regions such as Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hunan, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan, and Guizhou.

Key newly added ports include:

• Shanxi: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport
• Jiangsu: Wuxi Sunan Shuofang Airport, Yangzhou Taizhou Airport
• Zhejiang: Wenzhou Longwan Airport, Yiwu International Airport
• Fujian: Fuzhou Changle Airport, Quanzhou Jinjiang, Wuyishan Airport
• Hainan: Haikou Meilan Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport
• Sichuan: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

With these additions, the total number of eligible ports has expanded from 39 to 60.

Broader eligible regions

Foreign travelers under this program can now access 24 provinces across China, up from 19 previously. The newly added regions include Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou.

• In Anhui, Hainan, and Guizhou, travelers can explore the entire province.
• In Shanxi, the permitted areas are limited to Taiyuan and Datong.
• In Jiangxi, travelers can visit Nanchang and Jingdezhen.
• The stay area in other regions like Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi has now expanded to cover the entire province.
• Guangxi has extended access to 12 cities, including Nanning, Guilin, Beihai, and Liuzhou.

*Bolded are newly added ports, provinces, or areas of stay.

Eligibility criteria for China’s visa-free transit

To qualify for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers must meet the following requirements:

Eligible nationalities

To obtain this visa exemption, the foreign national must have a valid passport from one of the 54 countries, which are:

• 25 countries in the Europe Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
• 15 other countries in Europe: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus.
• Six countries in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.
• Two countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
• Six countries in Asia: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Travel documentation

The travelers applying for 240-hour visa-free transit must have:

• A valid passport or another international travel document that is valid for more than three months from the arrival date;
• An interline ticket (connecting ticket) with the confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 240 hours; and
• The landing card for foreigners in transit that is filled out upon arrival in China.

The traveler may also be required to answer some questions at immigration control upon arrival.

It’s also important to double-check with the airline company about their boarding policy. In principle, eligible passengers can present valid entry and exit documents and a confirmed interline ticket (connecting ticket) with the confirmed departure date and seat number for a third country or region within 240 hours to the staff of the transportation vehicle at check-in. However, there have been cases where airline companies declined boarding, possibly because they are not familiar with such policies.

A strategic move for high-level openness

The NIA stated that this policy expansion aligns with the goals outlined at China’s Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC), focusing on facilitating the cross-border movement of people, boosting international exchange and cooperation, and driving high-quality economic growth.

By extending the duration of stay, increasing the number of ports, and expanding travel regions, China aims to enhance its attractiveness as a destination for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. This policy serves as an invitation for foreign travelers to experience China’s economic dynamism, cultural richness, and natural beauty firsthand.

Looking ahead, the NIA emphasized its commitment to further optimizing immigration policies to enhance the convenience of living, working, and studying in China for foreign nationals.

Read more:

A Complete Guide to China’s Visa-Free Policies

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