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CHINA – Major changes to transit visa-free policies.
December 18, 2024
By: Edward Hu, Immigration Director, Newland Chase-FSG
China has unveiled significant updates to its transit visa-free policies, effective December 17, 2024. These changes, aimed at enhancing convenience for international travelers, reflect China’s efforts to promote tourism, business engagement, and economic activity. The new measures include extended stay durations, expanded ports of entry, and allowances for cross-regional travel.
Extension of transit visa-free stay.
The National Immigration Administration has announced a major relaxation of the transit visa-free policy. Effective immediately, eligible travelers can stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days), a significant increase from the previous 72-hour and 144-hour limits. This extended duration provides international visitors with greater flexibility to explore, conduct business, or transit through China.
Addition of new ports of entry.
The updated policy also increases accessibility with 21 new ports designated for visa-free entry and exit. This brings the total to 60 open ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, ensuring broader and more efficient access for transit travelers.
Expanded stay and activity areas.
Under the revised rules, eligible travelers—including those from countries such as Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada—can now enjoy expanded stay areas. Travelers transiting through China to a third country (or region) can enter visa-free and remain within specified regions for up to 240 hours.
Cross-regional travel now permitted.
The most notable enhancement is the allowance for cross-regional travel. Previously, travelers under the 72/144-hour visa-free policy were restricted to a single region or city. The updated policy now allows foreigners with transit visa-free status to travel across provincial borders within the designated 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. This change provides unprecedented freedom for travelers to move between multiple regions during their stay.
Eligibility conditions for transit visa-free entry.
To qualify for China’s updated transit visa-free policy, travelers must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid international travel document with a validity period of no less than three months.
- Meet the entry requirements for the third destination country or region.
- Possess confirmed tickets or supporting documentation for onward travel to a third country (or region) within the 240-hour period.
- Complete the Temporary Entry Alien Card and comply with immigration border control inspections.
Newland Chase insights.
This policy update represents a significant step toward enhancing China’s connectivity with the world. The extended stay, new ports, and expanded cross-regional travel are designed to make China a more accessible and attractive transit hub for tourists and business travelers alike.
At Newland Chase, we specialize in helping businesses and travelers navigate complex visa and immigration requirements. For further details on China’s transit visa-free policies or support with travel documentation, contact our team of global mobility experts.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
