China has made a groundbreaking update to its visa-free transit policy, increasing the maximum stay duration for eligible travelers from 72 or 144 hours to a generous 240 hours—equivalent to 10 days.
This significant change aims to boost tourism and international connectivity.
Expanded Ports and Regions for Visa-Free Transit
The new policy designates 21 additional ports for visa-free entry and exit, bringing the total to 60 across 24 provinces, regions, and municipalities:
| Province | Port | Areas Of Stay |
| Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport Beijing Daxing International Airport | Beijing Municipality |
| Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport Tianjin Port (Passenger) | Tianjin Municipality |
| Hebei | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport Qinhuangdao Port (Passenger) | Hebei Province |
| Liaoning | Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Dalian Port (Passenger) Shenyang Taoxian International Airport | Liaoning Province |
| Shanghai | Shanghai Pudong International Airport Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Shanghai Port (Passenger) | Shanghai Municipality |
| Jiangsu | Nanjing Lukou International Airport Su’nan Shuofang International Airport Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport liangyungang Port (Passenger) | Jiangsu Province |
| Zhejiang | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Ningbo Lishe International Airport Wenzhou Longwan International Airport Yiwu Airport Wenzhou Port (Passenger) Zhoushan Port (Passenger) | Zhejiang Province |
| Anhui | Hefei Xinqiao International Airport Huangshan Tunxi International Airport | Anhui Province |
| Fujian | Fuzhou Changle International Airport Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Wuyishan Airport Xiamen Port (Passenger) | Fujian Province |
| Shandong | Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport Qingdao Port (Passenger) Weihao Dashuipo International Airport Yantai Pengtai International Airport | Shandong Province |
| Henan | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport | Henan Province |
| Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport | Hubei Province |
| Hunan | Changsha Huangshua International Airport Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport | Hunan Province |
| Guangdong | Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Nansha Port (Passenger) Shekou Port (Passenger) Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | Guangdong Province |
| Hainan | Haikou Meilan International Airport Sanya Phoenix International Airport | Hainan Province |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | Chongqing Municipality |
| Guizhou | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport | Guizhou Province |
| Shaanxi | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport | Shaanxi Province |
| Shanxi | Taiyuan Wusu International Airport | Taiyuan City and Datong City |
| Heilongjiang | Harbin Taiping International Airport | Harbin City |
| Jiangxi | Nanchang Changbei International Airport | Nanchang City and Jingdezhen City |
| Guangxi | Beihai Fucheng Airport Beihai Port (Passenger) Guilin Liangjiang International Airport Nanning Wuxu International Airport | Beihai Fangchenggang Guigang Guilin Hechi Hezhou Laibin Liuzhou Nanning Qinzhou Wuzhou Yulin |
| Sichuan | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | Chengdu Deyang Leshan Luzhou Meishan Neijiang Suining Ya’an Yibin Zigong Ziyang |
| Yunnan | Kunming Changshui International Airport Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Mohan Railway Port | Chuxiong Dali Honghe Kunming Lijiang Pu’er Wenshan Xishuangbanna Yuxi |
Eligible travelers can now explore an expanded range of destinations without the need for a visa, making cross-regional travel more accessible than ever.
Who Can Benefit from This Policy?
Under this updated system, citizens from 54 countries (listed below) qualify for visa-free entry when transiting through China en route to a third country or region:
| Continent | Country |
| Americas (6) | Argentina Brazil Canada Chile Mexico United States |
| Asia (6) | Brunei Japan Qatar Singapore South Korea United Arab Emirates |
| Europe (40) | Albania Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine United Kingdom |
| Oceania (2) | Australia New Zealand |
This offers more flexibility and convenience for international travelers looking to experience China’s rich culture and attractions.
Key Features of the Updated Visa-Free Transit Policy
- Longer Stay Duration
Travelers can now enjoy up to 240 hours (10 days) of visa-free travel, a considerable extension from the previous limits of 72 and 144 hours. - Cross-Regional Travel Flexibility
For the first time, the policy permits movement across 24 provincial-level regions, providing foreign visitors with more opportunities to explore China’s diverse landscapes and cities. - Streamlined Entry and Exit
With 60 designated ports, travelers have more options for both entry and exit points, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Requirements for Visa-Free Entry
To take advantage of this policy, travelers must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a valid international travel document with at least 3 months of validity remaining.
- Hold a confirmed ticket to a third country (or region) with a departure date and seat within the 240-hour timeframe.
- Complete a temporary entry card for foreigners upon arrival.
- Undergo inspection and inquiry by border authorities.
Conclusion
This progressive update to China’s visa-free transit policy provides a remarkable opportunity for eligible international visitors to explore the country without the hassle of securing a visa.
With increased accessibility and extended travel duration, China is poised to become an even more attractive destination for global travelers.