The visa-free transit period in China has been increased to 10 days. The main goal of this policy is to attract the maximum number of tourists. Find out what the conditions of visa-free transit are and which countries can benefit from the benefits

In December 2024, China took another important step towards attracting the maximum number of foreign travelers by expanding its visa-free transit policy. From now on, the permitted period of stay will be as much as 240 hours, or 10 days.

The move is aimed at supporting international tourism and attracting more foreign visitors to the world’s second-largest economy. We will discuss the changes that the increase in the period of stay based on visa-free transit in China will bring below.

China increases the permitted period of stay based on visa-free transit to 10 days for travelers from 54 countries

Travelers who meet a number of requirements can now stay in certain places in China without a visa for up to 10 days. Previously, the permitted period was from 72 to 144 hours.

The number of ports that grant the right to visa-free transit has been increased to 60 and they are located in 24 provinces. This relaxation of the policy is an important step in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does visa-free transit work in China?

Travelers transiting through China are allowed to stay in the country for a certain period of time. However, this right applies only to representatives of certain 54 countries who enter the country through any of 60 designated ports in 24 provinces. Visitors can wait for their next flight for up to 240 hours. This policy is believed to promote tourism and business activity.

Citizens of which countries are eligible for visa-free transit in China

Citizens of 54 countries around the world are eligible for extended visa-free transit, including representatives of the following countries: USA. Canada, UK, Russia, Brazil, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand.

You can check whether your country of citizenship is on the list of visa-free transit countries on the website of the Chinese embassy in your country of residence.

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To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Visa-Free Transit Airports

21 airports in China have been added to the Visa-Free Transit Program: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (Shanxi), Sunan Shuofang International Airport (Jiangsu), Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport (Jiangsu), Wenzhou Longwang International Airport (Zhejiang), Yiwu Airport (Zhejiang), Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (Anhui), Huangshan Tunxi International Airport (Anhui), Fuzhou Changle International Airport (Fujian), Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (Fujian), Wuishan Airport (Fujian), Nanchang Changbei International Airport (Jiangxi), Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (Shandong), Yantai Penlai International Airport (Shandong), Weihai Dashuipo International Airport (Shandong), Zhangjiajie Hehua (Hunan), Nanning Wusu International Airport (Guangxi), Beihai Fucheng Airport (Guangxi), Haikou Meilan International Airport (Hainan), Sanya Phoenix International Airport (Hainan), Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (Sichuan), Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (Guizhou).

In total, 60 ports in China participate in the program.

Requirements for travelers to receive visa-free transit

In order for a foreigner to be entitled to visa-free transit, a number of requirements must be met:

- Have a valid passport.

- Travel through China in transit to a third country.

- Arrive or depart through one of the 60 approved ports.

Important! To confirm transit, you must have a ticket to a third country.

The visa-free transit policy changes the situation for international travelers, as it allows you to enjoy all the beauties of China while traveling to a third country.

Let us remind you! In 2024, China actively worked to attract tourists by simplifying its migration policy. We have already told you which countries' citizens have been granted the right to travel to the PRC without a visa and what rules will be relevant for 2025.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

To ensure a safe move to China, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

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