China has recently made significant changes to its visa policy for international visitors, enhancing its visa-free transit program, as announced by the National Immigration Administration.
Effective immediately, citizens of 54 countries, including the United States, can now stay in China for up to 10 days without the need for a visa. This is a major extension from the previous policy, which only allowed visa-free stays of 72 or 144 hours, depending on the location. In addition, 21 new entry and exit ports have been added to the visa-free program, along with five new destinations now included in the initiative.
The Chinese Visa Application Service Center explained that this move aims to "boost cross-border mobility, foster international communication and cooperation, and provide fresh momentum for the high-quality development of China's economy and society." The administration is actively encouraging international visitors to explore China's rich attractions and recommends securing comprehensive travel insurance for a seamless and worry-free experience.
However, there are some restrictions. U.S. citizens, for example, can take advantage of this policy for stays of up to 10 days in certain parts of China, but only if their trip includes travel to a third country. Direct round-trip travel between the U.S. and China without a visa is not allowed under the new rules.
According to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, travelers from the 54 eligible countries can use the 60 open ports across 24 provinces to enter China and stay for up to 240 hours within designated regions, provided they are en route to a third country. U.S. citizens who plan to stay longer than 10 days or who wish to travel solely between the U.S. and China will still need to obtain a visa. Various visa categories are available for both tourists and business travelers.