China has recently announced a significant relaxation and optimization of its visa-free transit policy for foreigners. Effective immediately, the duration of visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 and 144 hours to a full 240 hours (10 days)。 This policy applies to citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and others。 Travelers from these countries can now transit through China to a third country (region) and enjoy visa-free entry and exit at any of the 60 open ports across 24 provinces (regions, cities), with the opportunity to stay and engage in activities within designated areas for up to 240 hours。

The new policy also introduces 21 additional ports for visa-free transit, bringing the total number of applicable ports to 60。 These include Taiyuan Wusu International Airport in Shanxi, Sunan Shuofang and Yangzhou Taizhou International Airports in Jiangsu, Wenzhou Longwan and Yiwu International Airports in Zhejiang, Hefei Xinqiao and Huangshan Tunxi International Airports in Anhui, Fuzhou Changle, Quanzhou Jinjiang, and Wuyi Mountain International Airports in Fujian, Nanchang Changbei International Airport in Jiangxi, Jinan Yaoqiang, Yantai PengLai（蓬莱）, and Weihai Dashuibo International Airports in Shandong, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport in Hunan, Nanning WuXu（吴圩） and Beihai FuCheng（福成） International Airports in Guangxi, Haikou Meilan and Sanya Phoenix International Airports in Hainan, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Sichuan, and Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in Guizhou。

Furthermore, the policy expands the areas where visa-free transit travelers can stay and move around。 Originally applicable in 19 provinces (regions, cities), the policy now covers an additional 5 provinces, including Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou, totaling 24 provinces (regions, cities)。 In the newly added provinces, visa-free transit travelers can stay and move around the entire province, except in Shanxi where the area is limited to Taiyuan and Datong cities, and in Jiangxi where it is limited to Nanchang and Jingdezhen cities。 The policy also extends the stay and activity areas in Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi to cover the entire provinces, and in Guangxi, it covers 12 cities including Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, and Laibin。

This relaxation and optimization of the visa-free transit policy is a significant move by the National Immigration Administration to facilitate high-level open foreign policies and ease the movement of people between China and other countries。 It is expected to accelerate cross-border travel, promote international exchanges and cooperation, and inject new momentum into the high-quality development of the economy and society。 The National Immigration Administration will continue to deepen the reform of immigration management systems, optimize immigration entry-exit facilitation policies, and enhance the convenience for foreigners to study, work, and live in China。 This policy change is a warm invitation to more foreign friends to visit China and experience the beauty of China in the new era。

Conditions for Foreigners Applying for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

1. Citizens of 54 countries eligible for the visa-free transit 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): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
   
2. Holding a valid international travel document with a validity of no less than 3 months, and meeting the entry requirements of the third country (region).
3. Holding confirmed tickets or relevant proof for travel to the third country (region) within 144 hours, filling out a temporary entry card for foreigners, and accepting inspection and inquiry by the entry-exit border inspection authorities.

Foreigners meeting the above conditions can apply to the border inspection authorities at 60 ports in Beijing, Shanghai, and other places in China. The border inspection authorities will handle temporary entry procedures for them, and the visa-free stay time starts from the next day after entry. Those who meet the visa-free agreement signed with our country or our unilateral visa-free policy can follow its provisions.

General Questions

1. Can visa-free entry be extended within China?
   Generally no. You may inquire with the local entry-exit administration office for exceptions.
2. Is there a limit on the number of entries for the 30-day visa-free policy?
   No. Multiple entries are allowed.
3. If I visit Hong Kong/Macau, can I get another 30 days upon returning to mainland China?
   Yes.
4. Can I switch to another visa type while in China under visa-free entry?
   No.
5. How is the 30-day stay calculated?
   For example: If you complete temporary entry procedures at 5 PM on September 5, your stay begins at midnight on September 6. You may legally stay until midnight on September 15, totaling 10 days.

Travel Logistics

6. Can I depart from a country other than my nationality under the visa-free policy?
   Yes, as long as you meet the visa-free requirements.
7. Are minors eligible for visa-free entry?
   Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria.
8. Are there restrictions on areas I can visit after entering China?
   No restrictions, except for certain sensitive regions.
9. Can I enter China via land (e.g.,高铁/high-speed rail) or sea instead of air?
   Yes.