China Extends Transit Visa-Free Policy to 240 Hours for 54 Countries
China Extends Transit Visa-Free Policy
to 240 Hours for 54 Countries
During a press conference on foreign affairs at the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China is working to establish more convenient travel channels. As of now, China has unilaterally granted visa-free access to 38 countries and extended the transit visa-free policy to 240 hours (10 days) for 54 countries. The expansion of this "visa-free circle of friends" is expected to continue, making "checking in to China" a global trend. China welcomes more young people to visit, learn Chinese, explore the country, and experience its rich cultural heritage.
If you are not from a visa-exempt country (see the table below), RICH will provide supporting documents after you complete registration and payment, certifying your participation in a summer camp in China.
Travel Tip: How Does the Transit Visa-Free Policy Work?
Eligible foreign nationals do not need to apply for a visa in advance when transiting through China to a third country or region. Instead, they can enter through designated ports and stay in approved areas for up to 10 days (240 hours).
Application Process:
- Upon arrival, present a passport valid for at least 3 months.
- Provide a confirmed onward ticket (departing within 240 hours from an eligible port to a third country or region).
- Fill out the Temporary Entry Permit Application Form for foreign nationals.
- At the designated temporary entry permit application counter, request a 240-hour temporary entry permit from immigration officers.
- Once approved, complete the immigration entry process.
- Upon departure, travelers must present their passport, which contains the "240-hour temporary entry permit" sticker, at exit border control.
Important Notes:
- Travelers must hold onward tickets to a third country or region.
- Returning to the country of origin does not qualify for the transit visa-free policy.
- Example: A traveler from Country A visits China and continues to Country C qualifies.
- However, if the traveler returns to Country A, they are not eligible for transit visa-free entry.
Visa-Free Countries & Duration of Stay
| Country/Region | Duration of Stay |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 30 days |
| Singapore | 30 days |
| Kazakhstan | 30 days |
| UAE | 30 days |
| Qatar | 30 days |
| Maldives | 30 days |
| Armenia | 30 days |
| Albania | 30 days |
| Belarus | 30 days |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 30 days |
| Serbia | 30 days |
| San Marino | 30 days |
| Barbados | 30 days |
| The Bahamas | 30 days |
| Ecuador | 30 days |
| Dominica | 30 days |
| Grenada | 30 days |
| Suriname | 30 days |
| Mauritius | 30 days |
| Seychelles | 30 days |
| Fiji | 30 days |
| Tonga | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days (Temporary policy until December 31, 2025) |
| Brunei | 14 days |
Countries/Regions Offering Unilateral Visa-Free Access to Chinese Citizens
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Haiti
- Saint Lucia
- Jamaica
- Oman
- Jeju Island (South Korea)
- Uzbekistan
- Iran
- Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam)
- Georgia
- Micronesia
- Niue
- Samoa
- French Polynesia
- Kiribati
- Gabon
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Tunisia
- Zambia
- Angola
- Benin
Countries/Regions Offering Visa-on-Arrival to Chinese Citizens
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Vietnam
- Madagascar
- Bolivia
- Cook Islands
- Palau
- Egypt
Countries/Regions Offering Transit Visa-Free Entry to Chinese Citizens
- Austria
- Poland
- Switzerland
- Cyprus
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Italy
Final Reminder
Visa policies are subject to change, so it is highly recommended to check the latest updates on the official website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Chinese embassies/consulates before traveling.
