On December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration of China announced the comprehensive relaxation and optimization of its transit visa exemption policy. Effective immediately, the maximum stay for eligible foreign travelers transiting through China has been extended from the original 72 hours or 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 new ports have been added to the list of entry and exit ports eligible for visa-free transit, and the permitted areas of stay have been expanded further.

Who Is Eligible?

This policy applies to citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Eligible travelers transiting through China to a third country or region can enjoy visa-free entry through any of the 60 designated ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Travelers can remain in the specified regions for up to 240 hours.

Newly Added Ports

The 21 newly added ports include:

• Shanxi: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport

• Jiangsu: Sunan Shuofang, Yangzhou Taizhou International Airports

• Zhejiang: Wenzhou Longwan, Yiwu International Airports

• Anhui: Hefei Xinqiao, Huangshan Tunxi International Airports

• Fujian: Fuzhou Changle, Quanzhou Jinjiang, Wuyishan International Airports

• Jiangxi: Nanchang International Airport

• Shandong: Jinan Yaoqiang, Yantai Penglai, Weihai Dashuipo International Airports

• Hunan: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport

• Guangxi: Nanning Wuxu, Beihai Fucheng International Airports

• Hainan: Haikou Meilan, Sanya Phoenix International Airports

• Sichuan: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

• Guizhou: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport

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

Expanded Areas of Stay

The new policy also increases the areas where visa-free transit travelers can stay:

• The number of applicable provinces and regions has increased from 19 to 24, with the addition of Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou.

• Travelers can now explore the entire provinces of Anhui, Hainan, and Guizhou during their stay.

• In Shanxi, the allowed areas are limited to Taiyuan and Datong.

• In Jiangxi, the stay is restricted to Nanchang and Jingdezhen.

• Additionally, Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi provinces now permit stays in all regions.

• Guangxi’s visa-free areas have been expanded to include 12 cities: Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, and Laibin.

Eligible travelers can even cross provincial boundaries within the designated 24 provinces and regions.

Requirements for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

1. Nationality: Must be a citizen of one of the 54 eligible countries:

   • Europe (40 countries): 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, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.

   • Americas (6 countries): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.

   • Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand.

   • Asia (6 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

2. Travel Documents: Must hold a valid international travel document with at least three months of validity.

3. Ticket Requirements: Must present a confirmed ticket for travel to a third country (or region) within 240 hours, including a designated departure date and seat.

4. Application Process: Travelers need to fill out a temporary entry card and undergo inspection by border control officers at one of China’s 60 eligible ports.

5. Additional Exemptions: Travelers from countries with mutual visa exemption agreements or unilateral visa exemption policies with China may continue to enjoy those benefits.

Important Notes

The 240-hour visa-free stay begins at 12:00 a.m. the day following entry. Travelers must adhere to the stay limits and designated regions as specified in their transit policy. For inquiries or assistance, please contact the border control offices at the respective ports of entry.

This newly relaxed transit visa policy makes it easier than ever for foreign travelers to explore the beauty and culture of China. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, don’t miss the chance to enjoy an extended visit to some of China’s most iconic destinations—all without the hassle of a visa.

For more updates and personalized travel planning, visit HelloChinaTrip.com!

>FAQs on Applying for a Chinese Visa