China’s Immigration Authority Announces Major Easing of Transit Visa Exemption Policy, Expanding Stay Duration and Port Accessibility
The National Immigration Administration of China today released an announcement, stating that it will fully relax and optimize the transit visa exemption policy starting immediately. The duration of stay for foreign nationals exempt from transit visas has been extended from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). In addition, 21 new ports of entry have been added for foreign nationals eligible for transit visa exemptions. Furthermore, the range of areas where such individuals are allowed to stay has been further expanded.
From now on, citizens of 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the UK, the US, and Canada, who are transiting through China to a third country or region, can enter China visa-free from any of 60 open ports of entry across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. They are allowed to stay and engage in activities in designated areas for up to 240 hours.
21 New Ports of Entry Added to the Visa Exemption Policy:
The 21 new ports of entry added to the visa exemption policy include:
- Shanxi: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport
- Jiangsu: Suzhou Sunan Shuofang International Airport, Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport
- Zhejiang: Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, Yiwu International Airport
- Anhui: Hefei Xinqiao International Airport, Huangshan Tunxi International Airport
- Fujian: Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, Wuyishan International Airport
- Jiangxi: Nanchang Changbei International Airport
- Shandong: Jinan Yaoqiao International Airport, Yantai Penglai International Airport, Weihai Dashuibo International Airport
- Hunan: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport
- Guangxi: Nanning Wuxu International Airport, Beihai Fucheng International Airport
- Hainan: Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport
- Sichuan: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
- Guizhou: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport
The number of open ports for foreign entry has increased from 39 to 60.
Expanded Stay Areas for Transit Visa Exemption Policy:
The newly optimized 240-hour transit visa exemption policy also expands the areas where foreign nationals can stay. The list of applicable provinces has been extended from the previous 19 regions to a total of 24, including the addition of Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou.
- In Anhui, Hainan, and Guizhou, foreign nationals can stay in the entire province.
- In Shanxi, the stay is limited to Taiyuan and Datong.
- In Jiangxi, the stay is restricted to Nanchang and Jingdezhen.
The stay areas in Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi have been expanded to cover the entire province. In Guangxi, the stay area now includes 12 cities: Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, and Laibin.
Foreign nationals using the transit visa exemption to enter China will now be able to travel across provinces within the designated regions in the 24 provinces (autonomous regions, and municipalities) where the policy applies.
The Purpose of the Policy:
A spokesperson for the National Immigration Administration explained that the relaxation and optimization of the transit visa exemption policy is a key initiative aimed at supporting the implementation of the central government’s economic work conference’s directives. This move is intended to enhance China’s high-level opening up, facilitate people-to-people exchanges, and promote cross-border movement of people. The policy is designed to drive economic and social development by injecting new momentum into international collaboration and communication.
The National Immigration Administration will continue to promote immigration management system reform, continually improving the facilitation policies for foreign nationals entering China to study, work, and live, welcoming more foreign friends to visit China and experience the beauty of the new era of China.
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