China lengthens visa-free stays for tourists

China lengthens visa-free stays for tourists 

Sara Ruberg 19.12.2024

China’s govt opened its country’s doors a little wider this week by extending the period that tourists visiting the country can stay without a visa to up to 10 days. It’s the latest effort in China’s push to welcome tourists back amid geopolitical tensions and after strict pandemic policies froze all travel to the country. The transit policy is among a few changes China has made to entice visitors since it reopened its borders in 2023. 

The Chinese govt said in a statement that it “invites more foreign friends to come to China and experience the beauty of the country in this new era firsthand.” Tourists can stay up to 10 days Starting in 2023, China allowed travellers from 54 countries, including the United States, to enter the country without prior visa approval if they were in transit to another country. Tourists were originally allowed to stay three to six days depending on which port of entry they had used. 

Under the new policy, tourists can stay up 240 hours, or 10 days, for those who arrive at one of the country’s approved airports. China also added 21 locations to its 39 ports of entry and exit and relaxed travel restrictions across the provinces. Previously, travellers were limited to the specific region where they had entered the country. But in its updated policy, China will let people entering via the transit programme to travel across the 24 provinces where visa-free travellers are allowed. 

How the programme works To take advantage of the new programme, visitors will need to book at least two flights: one to any of the 60 Chinese ports allowed under the visa-free transit policy, and a flight to a third country that departs within 10 days of arriving to China. Chinese border authorities will look for proof of an already purchased airline ticket for a departing flight upon arrival. Passengers will also be asked to fill out an application for access at the airport. As with other international trips, travellers will need to provide a valid passport, pass through airport security checks and answer questions from immigration authorities. NYT