On December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration of China announced a comprehensive relaxation and optimization of the visa-free transit policy for foreigners to promote international exchange and cooperation and facilitate foreign tourists visiting China. The key elements of the new policy are as follows
1. Major Changes:
1) Extension of Stay Duration: The duration of stay for visa-free transit foreigners in China has been uniformly extended from the original 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days), providing travelers with more ample time to experience China.2) Increase in Entry and Exit Ports: An additional 21 ports have been added, bringing the total number of ports available for visa-free transit personnel to 60, covering 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), further enhancing entry convenience.3) Expansion of Permitted Stay Areas: The number of provinces applicable under the policy has increased from 19 to 24, with the addition of Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou. In some provinces, the permitted stay areas for visa-free transit personnel have been expanded to encompass the entire province.
2. Eligible Countries:
Citizens of 54 eligible countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, can benefit from this visa-free transit policy.
3. Specific Port Information:
The newly added 21 ports include: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport in Shanxi; Sunan Shuofang and Yangzhou Taizhou International Airports in Jiangsu; Wenzhou Longwan and Yiwu International Airports in Zhejiang; Hefei Xinqiao and Huangshan Tunxi International Airports in Anhui; Fuzhou Changle, Quanzhou Jinjiang, and Wuyishan International Airports in Fujian; Nanchang Changbei International Airport in Jiangxi; Jinan Yaoqiang, Yantai Penglai, and Weihai Dashuibo International Airports in Shandong; Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport in Hunan; Nanning Wuxu and Beihai Fucheng International Airports in Guangxi; Haikou Meilan and Sanya Phoenix International Airports in Hainan; Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Sichuan; and Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in Guizhou.
4. Details on Permitted Stay Areas:
In the five newly added provinces, the permitted stay areas for visa-free transit personnel are as follows:
1) Anhui Province, Hainan Province, Guizhou Province: Entire province.2) Shanxi Province: Taiyuan City and Datong City.3) Jiangxi Province: Nanchang City and Jingdezhen City.
Additionally, the permitted stay areas in Fujian Province, Hubei Province, and Shaanxi Province have been expanded to the entire province, and in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, expanded to 12 cities including Nanning, Liuzhou, and Guilin.
5. Cross-Province Travel:
Foreign tourists entering China under the visa-free transit policy can travel across provinces within the permitted stay areas of the aforementioned 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), enjoying more flexible travel arrangements.
6. Significance of the Policy:
This policy adjustment is a significant measure by China to actively promote high-level opening-up and facilitate the movement of people between China and other countries. It helps accelerate cross-border personnel flow, promotes international exchange and cooperation, and injects new momentum into high-quality economic and social development. The strategic significance is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1) Promoting International Exchange and Cooperation: Extending the visa-free transit stay to 240 hours (10 days) and adding 21 entry and exit ports covering 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) provide greater flexibility and convenience for foreign tourists and businesspeople. This will effectively promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as business, tourism, and culture between countries.2) Boosting Tourism Development: Extending the stay duration and expanding activity areas allow foreign tourists more time to deeply experience China's diverse culture and landscapes, enhancing their travel experience, thereby driving tourism consumption and promoting the development of related industries.3) Enhancing National Image: By facilitating foreign entry, China showcases an open, confident, and inclusive national image, increases international understanding and recognition of China, breaks stereotypes, and shapes a real and vivid image of China.4) Optimizing Business Environment: It facilitates short-term visits by foreign businesspeople for negotiations and inspections, improves the efficiency of cross-border business activities, further optimizes China's business environment, and attracts more foreign investment and international projects.5) Reflecting the Strategy of Opening-Up: This policy adjustment is an important measure for China to deepen reform and opening-up and build a new system of an open economy, reflecting China's active integration into globalization and its responsibility and commitment to promoting world economic development.
[Comment]
Foreign tourists planning to utilize the visa-free transit policy to visit China should confirm their eligibility in advance, understand the specific entry and exit ports and permitted stay areas, and plan their itinerary accordingly. Specific considerations are as follows:
1) Confirm Eligible Countries: Ensure that your nationality is among the 54 countries eligible for the visa-free transit policy, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.2) Prepare Valid Documents: Possess an international travel document with a validity of no less than three months and ensure compliance with the entry requirements of the destination country (region).3) Hold Connecting Tickets: Have a confirmed onward ticket with a fixed date and seat to a third country (region) within 240 hours or related proof to present to border inspection authorities upon entry.4) Understand Entry and Exit Ports: Familiarize yourself with the locations of the 21 newly added ports and the total 60 applicable ports to choose the most suitable entry and exit points.5) Familiarize with Permitted Stay Areas: Understand the specific activity area regulations of your chosen province, adhere to relevant restrictions, and avoid exceeding the permitted scope.6) Comply with Chinese Laws and Regulations: During your stay in China, comply with Chinese laws and regulations, respect local customs, and ensure a smooth.