China extends visa-free transit stays to 240 hours, increases eligible ports to 60

China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Tuesday that the permitted stay for foreign nationals entering China under the visa-free transit policy for purposes such as tourism, business, visits, and family reunions has been extended from the original 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours or 10 days, as part of the latest measures to further relax and optimize the visa-free transit policy. The policy takes effect immediately.

Eligibility Criteria for Foreigners Applying for the 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy

I. Citizens of 54 countries eligible for the transit visa-free policy:

• European countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.
• American countries (6): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
• Oceania countries (2): Australia, New Zealand.
• Asian countries (6): Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

II. Document Requirements:

1. Hold a valid international travel document (for personal use) with a validity of at least 3 months, and meet the entry requirements for the third country/region.
2. Present a confirmed through-ticket (or relevant proof) to the third country/region, with a fixed date and seat, issued within 240 hours.
3. Fill out the Temporary Entry Card for Aliens and undergo inspection and questioning by the exit-entry border inspection authorities.

III. Application and Stay:

Foreigners meeting the above conditions may apply to border inspection authorities at 60 ports in China (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai). Authorities will process temporary entry procedures, and the visa-free stay period starts at 00:00 on the day after entry. For those eligible under mutual visa-waiver agreements with China or China’s unilateral visa-free policies, relevant provisions shall apply.

240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy: Applicable Ports and Permitted Activity Areas

Note: Ensure port names and administrative regions align with official designations. For “passenger transport” ports, the term (Passenger Transport) is appended.