China Extends Transit Visa Exemption Period to 240 Hours

From December 17, 2024, citizens of eligible countries are permitted to transit in China for 240 hours or 10 days without requiring a visa, an extension from the previous periods of 72 hours and 144 hours. 

The National Immigration Administration made this announcement on the same day as the policy’s effective date and added 21 new entry and exit ports under the transit visa exemption policy. 

Citizens from these 54 countries are eligible for the transit visa exemption of up to 240 hours: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. 

Additionally, 21 ports have been added for the transit visa exemption policy, bringing the total number of ports under the transit visa exemption policy to 60. The updated policy now allows eligible travelers to travel across provincial borders within the designated 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. 

There were previously only 19 provinces under the policy, with Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou being the latest additions. This change boosts the freedom for foreign visitors to travel between multiple regions during their transit. 

An official from the National Immigration Administration said that the relaxation and optimization of the transit visa exemption policy is essential for the study and implementation of the Central Economic Work Conference, the opening up of the country at high levels, and the facilitation of exchanges between Chinese and foreign personnel. 

China’s recent policy changes reflect a strong effort to boost international engagement. By extending visa-free stays, adding new ports of entry, and allowing broader cross-regional travel, the country aims to position itself as a more convenient and appealing transit destination for tourists and business visitors alike.