Great news for globetrotters! China has just extended its visa-free transit policy to 10 days, up from the previous 3 to 6 days. This means eligible travelers can now explore more of China without the hassle of obtaining a visa.
Effective immediately, the new policy allows visitors from 54 countries—including Russia, Brazil, the UK, the US, and Canada—to stay in China for up to 240 hours when transiting to a third country or region. You can enter through any of the 60 designated ports across 24 provinces, making it easier than ever to include China in your travel plans.
Since July 2023, China has been fine-tuning its visa policies to welcome more international visitors. The country now has visa-free agreements with 26 nations and unilaterally exempts visas for travelers from 38 countries like France and Germany. Plus, mutual visa-free arrangements are in place with 157 countries and regions worldwide.
From January to November 2024, China recorded 29.2 million foreign visits—a staggering 86.2% increase from the previous year. Of these, 17.4 million travelers enjoyed visa-free entry, marking a 123.3% rise. The 72/144-hour visa-free transit option has also seen a 132.9% boost in popularity.
Experts believe this move will energize China’s tourism and business sectors. Chen Zhanming, Vice Dean of the School of Applied Economics at Renmin University, said, “The extended visa-free transit will make it more convenient for tourists, businesspeople, and those visiting family. This surge in international visitors will open up new opportunities and drive economic growth in China.”
Ester Baiget, Global President of Danish biotech firm Novonesis, echoed this sentiment. “It might seem like a small change, but it significantly eases travel to China. With smoother mobility, we can build stronger connections and relationships,” she noted.
Reference(s):
China visa-free transit policy boosts tourism & business: experts
cgtn.com
