Comprehensive guide to China's 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
The Chinese National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced today (Dec. 17) the full relaxation and optimization of its visa-free transit policy, effective immediately. The duration of stay for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Furthermore, 21 new ports of entry and exit have been added, increasing the total number of ports to 60 across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. This policy also significantly expands the areas where visa-free transit travelers can move, allowing for cross-province travel within approved regions.
Key Features of the Optimized Policy
Extended Stay Duration: Eligible travelers can now stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, an increase from the previous limits of 72 and 144 hours.
Expanded Ports of Entry and Exit: The number of designated ports has increased from 39 to 60, with 21 new ports added (details below).
Wider Travel Areas: Travelers can now visit 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, up from the original 19, with cross-province travel allowed within the designated areas.
Eligibility for Nationals of 54 Countries: Citizens of countries such as Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada are eligible for this policy, provided they are transiting through China to a third country or region.
New Ports of Entry and Exit
The 21 newly added ports include:
- Shanxi Province: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport
- Jiangsu Province: Wuxi Sunan Shuofang and Yangzhou Taizhou International Airports
- Zhejiang Province: Wenzhou Longwan and Yiwu International Airports
- Anhui Province: Hefei Xinqiao and Huangshan Tunxi International Airports
- Fujian Province: Fuzhou Changle, Quanzhou Jinjiang, and Wuyishan Airports
- Jiangxi Province: Nanchang Changbei International Airport
- Shandong Province: Jinan Yaoqiang, Yantai Penglai, and Weihai Dashuipo International Airports
- Hunan Province: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Nanning Wuxu and Beihai Fucheng International Airports
- Hainan Province: Haikou Meilan and Sanya Phoenix International Airports
- Sichuan Province: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
- Guizhou Province: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport
Expanded Travel Areas
The policy now covers 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, up from the original 19. Newly added regions include:
- Shanxi Province: Limited to Taiyuan and Datong
- Anhui Province: Entire province
- Jiangxi Province: Limited to Nanchang and Jingdezhen
- Hainan Province: Entire province
- Guizhou Province: Entire province
Additionally, the permitted areas in Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi provinces have been expanded to include the entire province. In the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, travelers may visit 12 cities, including Nanning, Guilin, and Beihai.
Travelers can move freely within the designated areas across all 24 regions, making cross-region travel more convenient.
Key Questions About the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Q: How is the 240-hour stay duration calculated?
A: The 240-hour period begins at midnight on the day following the traveler's entry into China after receiving a temporary entry permit from border inspection authorities.
Q: What are the requirements to apply for the 240-hour visa exemption?
A:
- The traveler must be a citizen of one of the 54 eligible countries.
- The traveler must hold a valid passport or international travel document with a validity of at least three months.
- The traveler must provide a confirmed onward ticket with a departure date and seat within 240 hours to a third country or region.
Q: Can travelers buy their onward ticket after entering China?
A: No. A confirmed onward ticket must be purchased before entering China to qualify for the visa-free policy.
Q: Can a traveler return to their country of origin under this policy?
A: No. The policy only applies to foreign nationals transiting through China to a third country or region. The departure and destination countries must be different.
Q: What happens if travelers cannot leave within 240 hours due to unforeseen circumstances?
A: Travelers must apply for an appropriate stay permit through the local exit and entry administration office in cases of force majeureor other valid reasons.
Q: What restrictions apply to travelers under this policy?
A:
- Travelers must stay within the designated areas and leave before the 240-hour limit expires.
- Accommodations must be registered within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels will handle registration, while private accommodations require travelers to register at the local police station.
- Violations, such as overstaying, traveling outside permitted areas, or exiting via unauthorized ports, may result in legal penalties.
Countries Covered by the Policy
The policy applies to nationals of 54 countries, including:
- European Schengen Countries (25): Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, etc.
- Other European Countries (15): Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Ukraine, etc.
- American Countries (6): United States, Canada, Brazil, etc.
- Oceania Countries (2): Australia, New Zealand
- Asian Countries (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, etc.
Significance of the Policy
According to an NIA spokesperson, this policy adjustment aligns with the Central Economic Work Conference's goals of promoting high-standard opening-up and facilitating international exchanges. By easing entry requirements and allowing cross-regional travel, the policy aims to:
- Accelerate global mobility
- Strengthen international cooperation
- Boost economic and social development
The NIA expressed its commitment to continually improve immigration management policies, making China more accessible for foreign nationals to study, work, and travel.
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