In a bold move to attract more foreign tourists, China has announced a significant expansion of its visa-free transit policy. Starting in 2024, visitors can now stay in the country for up to 240 hours (10 days) without the need for a visa, tripling the previous maximum layover time. So, now foreigner can be Visa-free transit to 240 hours continue. This latest change is part of China’s ongoing efforts to simplify travel and revive its tourism industry following the global pandemic.
Previously, the Chinese government allowed eligible travelers to stay for either 72 hours (3 days) or 144 hours (6 days) depending on their destination. However, the new policy applies to all travelers, offering a standard 10-day transit period across the entire country. This expansion of the visa-free stay is expected to make China more accessible and appealing to foreign tourists, many of whom found the visa application process daunting or complex in the past.
The Popular Transit Program: An Easy Travel Hack for Tourists
For years, China’s visa-free transit program has been a popular “hack” for foreign tourists. The program allows travelers with onward flight bookings to a third country or territory to enter China without a visa, so long as they remain within the designated transit period. This gives tourists the opportunity to explore major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu before continuing their journey.
Over 50 countries are eligible for the visa-free transit program, including the United States, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia. The new 240-hour visa-free transit option allows visitors to stay up to 10 days and travel freely between 24 provincial regions, expanding from the previous 19. This includes popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. However, some regions like Tibet and Xinjiang still require special permits for access.
Hong Kong and Macao are also considered third destinations under the new policy, meaning travelers can use them as a stopover before heading to mainland China for the visa-free transit period.
Record Growth in International Arrivals
China’s decision to enhance its visa-free transit program comes as the country sees a sharp increase in foreign visitors. According to the National Immigration Administration, the number of foreigners entering mainland China in the third quarter of 2024 hit a record high since tracking began in 2014. From January to November 2024, over 29 million foreign nationals entered China, representing an 86.2% increase year-on-year. Through Visa-Free Transit to 240 Hours, the China can generate a lot of revenue from tourists.
A significant portion of this growth can be attributed to the visa-free program. In 2024, 17 million travelers arrived under the transit program, marking a 123.3% increase compared to the previous year. Among these, Shanghai emerged as the most popular destination, with over 4 million visitors arriving in the city alone.
Simplifying Travel for International Tourists
China’s recent visa policy changes are part of a broader initiative to simplify travel for foreign tourists. The country has also introduced several other measures to improve the travel experience. Notably, the two largest Chinese e-payment platforms, WeChat and AliPay, now accept international credit cards. These platforms also feature built-in translation software and streamlined identity verification processes, making it easier for tourists to navigate and make payments while in China.
Moreover, China’s government has mandated that international credit cards be accepted at major tourist attractions, as well as in three-, four-, and five-star hotels. This move is expected to make travel more convenient for foreign visitors and enhance the overall tourism experience.
What’s Next for China’s Tourism Industry?
With the expansion of its visa-free transit policy and a host of other traveler-friendly initiatives, China is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for international tourists. As the country continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, these changes are likely to have a significant impact on its tourism sector, encouraging more travelers to explore its rich cultural heritage, bustling cities, and scenic landscapes.
China’s push to simplify travel, boost tourism, and promote regional exploration is certainly a step in the right direction. For many, the 240-hour visa-free transit period could be the perfect opportunity to discover China without the hassle of a complicated visa process. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re returning to explore more of the country, China is now more welcoming than ever before.
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