China Expands 240 Hours Visa Free Transit to 55 Countries

Dreaming of exploring China without the hassle of a visa? That dream just became a thrilling reality for more travelers around the world. In a major move to boost tourism, economic exchange, and international connectivity, China has officially expanded its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy to 55 countries, with Indonesia being the latest to join the club.

This announcement, made on June 12, 2025, signals a bold step in reopening China’s doors to the world—allowing adventurers, business professionals, and globe-trotters to transit through China and experience its rich culture, cities, and cuisine, visa-free for up to 10 days.

What’s New in the Policy?

The 240-hour visa-free transit, also known as Transit Without Visa (TWOV), now covers 24 provincial regions and permits travelers to enter China through 60 approved air, land, and sea ports—including major hubs like:

• Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao Airports
• Beijing Capital International Airport
• Xi’an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Kunming or
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

Previously available to fewer nations and ports, this policy now embraces a wider network, allowing Indonesia, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and others to explore China without needing a tourist visa—as long as they are in transit to a third country.

So, How Does It Work?

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Eligibility: You must be a citizen of one of the 55 approved countries.
2. Purpose: Travel must be for tourism, short business visits, family, or cultural exchange. Work, study, and media-related activities are not permitted.
3. Proof Required: You must hold a valid onward ticket to a third country or region (e.g., Singapore → China → South Korea).
4. Stay Duration: You can stay for up to 240 hours (10 days), starting from 00:00 the day after you arrive.
5. No Extensions: You must exit within the allowed period—no exceptions.
6. Allowed Regions: You can travel within the designated 24 provinces, making multi-city visits within your stay possible.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

This expansion is part of China’s post-COVID strategy to revitalize inbound tourism and stimulate global exchange. It comes hot on the heels of December 2024’s upgrade, when 21 additional entry ports were added to the list.

For travelers, this means:

• Cheaper and faster stopovers for long-haul flights through Chinese cities
• Opportunity to explore iconic destinations—like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army—on your layover
• Networking and business meetings in key economic zones without needing to apply for a separate visa
• Convenient detours into the heart of China’s rich culture, food, and innovation.

What’s the Bigger Picture?

With all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations now enjoying visa-free access (including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), and now Indonesia joining the list, China is crafting a diplomatically agile, traveler-friendly future.

This not only promotes regional integration across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, but also signals China’s ambition to become the world’s most accessible transit hub.

Ready to Transit Through China?

Whether you’re planning a trip to East Asia, heading from Europe to Australia, or connecting the Gulf to Japan, this 240-hour visa-free policy is your golden ticket to squeeze in an unforgettable Chinese adventure—without applying for a visa.

References

• https://english.www.gov.cn/policies/featured/202506/12/content_WS676548cbc6d0868f4e8ee28f.html
• https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202506/12/content_WS684a4460c6d0868f4e8f348f.html.