China Extends Visa-Free Transit Stays to 10 Days

China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on December 17, 2024, an extension of the permitted stay for foreign nationals entering China under the visa-free transit policy to 240 hours, or 10 days, from the previous 72-144 hours. This move is part of a broader effort to loosen and further streamline the visa-free transit policy and takes effect immediately.

Under the new policy, 21 more ports of entry and exit have been added for visa-free transit individuals, as well as five new regions, including the southern island province of Hainan, the southwestern province of Guizhou, the northern province of Shanxi, and the eastern provinces of Anhui and Jiangsu.

Eligible travelers from 54 nations who transit from China to a third country (or region) can enter China without a visa through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and stay in the specified area for a duration of up to 240 hours.

During their stay in China, foreigners who travel in transit without a visa can engage in activities such as tourism, business, and family visits, but they will require visas for work or study.