TBM Staff - Mumbai China has announced a 10-day visa-free transit policy for travellers from 54 countries, including the United States, Japan, and European nations. Effective immediately, visitors can stay in 24 provincial regions while transiting through 60 international ports, with new additions such as Hainan, Guizhou, Shanxi, Anhui, and Jiangsu. However, stays are restricted to certain cities within some provinces. This move aims to boost tourism and economic activity as China works to attract foreign visitors post-pandemic.
The updated visa-free transit allows tourism, business, or family visits, requiring travellers to have a valid passport and a ticket to a third country within 10 days. Round-trip tickets are not eligible. Since China reopened its borders in January 2023, inbound tourism has seen an 86% increase, with over 29 million foreign visitors recorded in the first 11 months of 2024. Notably, nearly 60% of travellers entered without visas, signaling growing interest.
This visa-free policy aligns with President Xi Jinping’s efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges and support the National Tourism Strategy. Jens Eskelund of the EU Chamber of Commerce welcomed the initiative but emphasised the need for clear guidelines on interprovincial travel. Critics noted that the policy still requires integration of a third country, which might deter travellers planning direct visits.
The National Immigration Administration emphasised that these changes aim to improve entry convenience and attract more foreign business and tourism. Officials highlighted that further opening up would create a market-oriented, legal, and international business environment, promoting economic recovery and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
