The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China has revealed significant updates to its visa-free transit policy, effective December 17, 2023. Under the newly established regulations, eligible foreign travelers can now stay for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, without requiring a visa. This marks a considerable extension from the previous limits of 72 hours for most provinces and 144 hours for specific cities such as Xiamen and Chengdu.
This policy enhancement is part of China's strategy to boost tourism and facilitate international travel, hoping to attract more visitors following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. The eligible nationalities include passport holders from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Previously, travelers faced stringent regulations when transiting through China, often viewing the visa process as overwhelming. With the NIA’s latest move, they can transit through specified regions, now numbering 60 ports across 24 provinces. This is up from the previous 39 ports, showcasing China's commitment to enhancing its appeal as a travel destination.
Some of the newly added ports include Taiyuan Wusu International Airport and Wuxi Sunan Shuofang Airport, among others. These additions allow travelers more pathways to enter China, significantly broadening possibilities for tourists and business travelers alike.
Travelers under the 240-hour transit exemption must possess valid travel documentation: a passport, onward flight tickets, and complete the landing card upon arrival. Importantly, they are permitted to travel across provinces on their transit stay, allowing for enhanced regional exploration during their time.
The NIA shared promising statistics to support the policy change. From January to November 2024, around 29.2 million foreign arrivals were registered at various ports of entry, which is up 86.2% compared to last year. Notably, 17.4 million of these arrivals utilized the visa-free policy, indicating its popularity and effectiveness.
"Eligible foreign travelers transiting through China can now enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 240 hours (10 days), allowing for more flexible itineraries and exploration of permitted regions," according to the NIA. The organization recognized the growing interest in these regulations, emphasizing the increase of travelers benefitting from visa-free transit has risen by 132.9% year-on-year.
With these changes, China is reiteratively opening its doors wider to the world, aiming not just at reviving tourism but also at stimulating its economy and strengthening international ties. Enhanced transit times and reduced travel barriers reflect China's alignment with broader economic goals, as set forth during its Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC).
The added flexibility and expanded reach of the transit policy signal to potential international visitors the ease of travel within China. Travelers can visit major attractions, engage with local cultures, and take part in regional tourism initiatives—all within the banner of this visa-free provision.
Additional motility benefits also come with advancements such as the integration of foreign payment systems like WeChat and AliPay, which accommodate international credit cards, streamlining the experience for visitors during their travel.
Looking forward, the NIA has stated its commitment to continuously refine immigration policies to provide unprecedented convenience for living, working, and studying within China's borders.
Overall, this policy update highlights China's readiness to invite foreign travelers to experience its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes, marking another stride toward revitalizing the country post-pandemic.
