The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced today that it will fully relax and optimize the visa-free transit policy, which is effective from December 17. The stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 ports of entry and exit have been added for visa-free transit individuals, further expanding the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers.

The beautiful scenery in Mulihong Village, Xiuning County, Huangshan City in winter. （Photo/ Cheng Weiru）

Individuals from 54 eligible countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada, traveling from China to a third country (region), can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers for no more than 240 hours.

Binhu National Forest Park in Hefei (Photo/ Wang Shibao)

21 additional ports have been designated for visa-free entry and exit, including Hefei Xinqiao International Airport and Huangshan Tunxi International Airport in Anhui Province. The number of opened ports has increased from the original 39 to 60.

The fully relaxed and optimized 240-hour visa-free transit policy has further expanded the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers. In the newly added five provinces, the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers in Anhui Province, Hainan Province, and Guizhou Province include the entire province. Foreign nationals entering China through the visa-free transit policy can make cross-province travels within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers in these 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).

(Text Collated by Zhang Yong)