The National Immigration Administration of China has announced a significant enhancement to the country’s transit visa-free policy, ushering in a new era for international travelers. Effective today, the permitted stay for transit visa-free visitors has been extended from 72 and 144 hours to an impressive 240 hours—equivalent to 10 full days. Planning to visit China in 2025? This policy offers enhanced accessibility.

Key Highlights of the New Policy:

• Extended Stay Duration: Transit visa-free travelers can now enjoy up to 240 hours (10 days) in China without a visa.
• Increased Ports of Entry: 21 new airports have been added, expanding the total to 60 ports across 24 provinces.
• Expanded Travel Regions: Inclusion of five additional provinces—Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou—allowing broader exploration within the country.
• Eligible Nationalities: Citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, are eligible for this extended stay.
• A Closer Look at the Changes

1. Extended Duration for Deeper Exploration

The extension to 240 hours offers travelers ample time to delve into China’s rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether strolling along the Great Wall, navigating the bustling streets of Shanghai, or savoring the culinary delights of Chengdu, visitors have the freedom to craft a more immersive itinerary.

2. More Accessible Entry Points

The addition of 21 new international airports simplifies access to various regions. Notable new ports include:

• Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, Shanxi
• Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport and Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport, Jiangsu
• Wenzhou Longwan International Airport and Yiwu Airport, Zhejiang
• Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, Sichuan
• Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Hainan

These expansions facilitate smoother entry and exit, reducing travel complexities and encouraging visits to lesser-known destinations.

3. Expanded Regional Access

Travelers can now explore an increased number of provinces without the need for a visa. The policy now covers:

Newly Added Provinces:

• Shanxi Province: Explore the historic cities of Taiyuan and Datong.
• Anhui Province: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Huangshan.
• Jiangxi Province: Visit the culturally rich cities of Nanchang and Jingdezhen.
• Hainan Province: Enjoy tropical beaches in Haikou and Sanya.
• Guizhou Province: Experience the ethnic diversity and natural beauty of Guiyang.
• Expanded Access in Existing Provinces:

Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi Provinces are now fully open for transit visa-free travelers.
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Access extended to 12 cities, including Nanning and Guilin.

What This Means for International Travelers

To take advantage of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, travelers must:

• Hold Citizenship from one of the 54 eligible countries.
• Transit Through China en route to a third country or region (cannot return to the originating country).
• Enter and Exit through designated ports of entry.
• Stay Within the specified regions during the 240-hour period.
• Possess Valid Travel Documents, including a passport and confirmed onward tickets.

Eligible Nationalities:

Citizens from the following 54 countries are eligible for this extended stay:

1. • Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

1. • Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United States.

1. • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.

1. • Asia: Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates.

For more details about planning a trip to China, please contact us.