Chinese authorities have made another move to bring in more foreign tourists and spending, by giving layover guests from over 50 countries extra visa-free time on layovers. Announced by China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA), the new rules apply to citizens of 54 nations around the world, including Brazil, Canada, most of Europe, the Republic of Korea, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Transit visits can now last up to 10 days
The change means that eligible passport holders from those countries can now enter China visa-free when transiting “from China to a third country (region)” and stay for up to 10 days (240 hours). Previously transit visitors to China could stay a maximum of 72 to 144 hours (3 to 6 days).
Since 2023, China has been relaxing its visa policies towards a suite of countries in a bid to boost its travel and tourism sector which was hit hard by some of the strictest and longest-lasting Covid-19 restrictions anywhere in the world.
Record foreign arrivals
The policy seems to be successful so far. According to NIA data, in the first half of 2024, a total of 14.6 million foreign nationals entered China through ports across the country, reflecting a 152.7% year-on-year increase. More than half of those, 58%, entered China in a visa-free way, marking year-on-year growth of 190.1%. And record numbers of foreign arrivals poured in the third quarter of the year too, suggesting 2024 is on track to be a bumper year.
Why are transit visas so popular?
Part of the explanation for the popularity of visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to China is a perception that immigration processes in the republic are time-consuming and bureaucratic. For travellers who wanted to see China without the hassle of a visa application, the three-day and six-day transit visas previously available were already a good option. Now, the latest extension to the visa-free rules will give visitors in China a short stopover even more time, allowing them to explore further and spread their spend.
Moves to make it easier for foreigners to visit China are not about to abate. With a stated aim of creating “more convenience for foreigners who need to travel to and within China” the NIA has said it plans to “further enhance the value and attractiveness” of its visa policies “with a focus on expanding areas for entry and travel, increasing the number of regions . . . and improving the overall framework for openness.”
