Visa-Free Countries for 240 hours transit in China

China announced on Tuesday a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days.

Effective immediately, 21 additional ports have been designated for visa-free entry and exit, and the areas in which transit travelers can stay have been expanded, according to a statement from National Immigration Administration.

Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, Britain, the United States and Canada, can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region.

These travelers may now enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provinces, regions and municipalities and stay within the designated areas for up to 240 hours. A notable feature of the policy adjustment is the introduction of cross-regional travel that allows foreign visitors to move freely across the 24 specified provincial-level regions during their 10-day stay.

Visa-Free Countries for Ordinary Passports

From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, the visa-free policy will be piloted for ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan.

In addition, China has decided to optimize its entry policy simultaneously, including exchange visits in the visa-free category, and extend the visa-free stay period from the current 15 days to 30 days. From November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from 38 visa-free countries, including the above-mentioned 9 countries, can enter China visa-free for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit for no more than 30 days. Those who do not meet the visa-free conditions still need to apply for a visa before entering China.

From November 8, 2024 to December 31, 2025, nationals of the following countries holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits and transit: Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein and South Korea.

Furthermore, from October 15, 2024 to December 31, 2025, citizens of the following countries holding ordinary passports are also eligible for the aforementioned visa-free treatment: Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia.

Countries that have achieved mutual visa abolition with China allow their citizens holding ordinary passports to enter and exit China freely. These countries include: The United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Maldives, Thailand, Singapore, Armenia, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and San Marino.

Visa-Free Countries for 72/144 hours transit in China

A total of 54 countries' citizens are eligible to apply for a 72/144-hour visa-free transit in China. This policy allows citizens from these countries to stay in designated Chinese cities for the specified duration without the need for a prior Chinese visa, provided they hold onward tickets to a third country (region) and limit their activities to these cities and their surrounding areas during their stay in China.

Applicable Countries

• Schengen Agreement Countries in Europe (25): Citizens holding valid Schengen visas from these countries can enjoy visa-free treatment. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway.
• Other European Countries (15): Although not part of the Schengen Area, citizens of Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco and Belarus are also covered by this policy.
• American Countries (6): Citizens of the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are eligible.
• Oceanian Countries (2): Citizens of Australia and New Zealand can enjoy this policy.
• Asian Countries (6): Citizens from Asian countries including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are also included.

Applicable Cities

• This policy covers 23 cities in China, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, as well as municipalities such as Tianjin and Chongqing, and several important tourist destinations like Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guilin.
• In these cities, foreigners can stay for 72 hours or 144 hours (depending on the city's policy) without applying for a Chinese visa, engaging in short-term tourism, business visits, and other activities.

Notes

• Ticket Requirements: Applicants for visa-free transit must hold onward tickets to a third country (region) and cannot exceed the specified number of hours in China.
• Activity Range: During the visa-free period, travelers' activities should be limited to the city of entry and its surrounding areas, and they are not allowed to travel to other cities or regions.
• Other Conditions: Specific entry and stay requirements may vary by city and policy changes. It is recommended that travelers carefully read the relevant regulations and consult local immigration authorities before departure.