In a significant move to boost tourism and international travel, the Chinese mainland has announced an extension of its visa-free transit policy. Effective immediately, eligible foreign travelers can now stay in China for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, up from the previous 72 and 144-hour allowances.
The National Immigration Administration revealed that 21 additional ports of entry have been included in the visa exemption list, bringing the total to 60 open ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. This expansion offers greater flexibility, allowing travelers from 54 countries—including Russia, Brazil, the UK, the United States, and Canada—to transit through China without a visa while en route to a third country or region.
Under the revised policy, visitors can explore designated areas and move freely across different regions within the permitted 10-day period. This change not only enhances the travel experience but also supports China's goal of becoming a more accessible hub for global travelers.
Data from January to November indicates a remarkable increase in foreign arrivals at Chinese ports, reaching 29.2 million—a year-on-year growth of 86.2%. Notably, 17.4 million of these entries were under the visa exemption policy, marking an impressive surge of 123.3% compared to the previous year.
This policy adjustment is expected to further stimulate tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange, reinforcing China's position as a key player in the global travel and trade landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
