China significantly boosts its tourism appeal by extending its visa-free transit policy. Effective immediately, foreign travelers from 54 countries can now enjoy visa-free stays of up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting through China en route to a third country. This is a major upgrade from the previous 72-144 hour limit, reflecting China’s proactive efforts to revitalize its tourism sector following three years of COVID-19 restrictions.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced this policy shift via its official WeChat account. The move is expected to attract a considerable influx of international tourists, contributing significantly to China’s economic recovery. The 54 eligible countries represent a diverse range of regions, including major economies like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Russia, as well as numerous European and other nations. The full list includes Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Notably, India is not currently included in this list.
This expanded visa-free transit policy builds upon China’s post-COVID reopening strategy aimed at reviving the nation’s economy. The relaxation of visa requirements is a key component of this strategy, alongside other measures designed to encourage international travel and investment. China, the world’s second-largest economy, heavily relies on tourism revenue, and this move signals a strong commitment to re-establishing itself as a major tourist destination.
The policy’s implementation is streamlined. Passengers from eligible countries holding valid international travel documents and connecting flights with confirmed dates and seats can take advantage of the visa-free transit at designated entry/exit ports across 60 open ports in 24 provinces. This simplifies the travel process and reduces bureaucratic hurdles for international tourists.
The positive impact of China’s relaxed visa policies is already evident. In the third quarter of 2024, inbound trips to China surged to 8.2 million, a remarkable 48.8% year-on-year increase. The NIA reports that more than half of this increase—a staggering 78.6% year-on-year rise—is directly attributed to the visa-free transit policy. This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of China’s strategic shift towards a more open and welcoming tourism policy.
The increased accessibility for travelers from 54 countries is a significant development in international travel. With the potential for substantial economic benefits and an increased global engagement, this initiative is closely watched and may inspire similar reforms in other nations globally. While the absence of India remains notable, the overall expansion is a pivotal moment for China’s tourism industry and global travel patterns. The coming months will reveal the full impact of this ambitious policy change and how it reshapes China’s place in the global tourism landscape.
