New Policies in Shanxi! Comprehensive Relaxation and Optimization of China's Visa-Free Transit Policy

Today, the National Immigration Administration announced a comprehensive relaxation and optimization of the visa-free transit policy, effective from December 17th. The stay periods for visa-free foreigners in China have been extended to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 new ports have been added for the entry and exit of visa-free transit personnel, and the areas where they can stay and move around have been further expanded. Foreign nationals from 54 eligible countries who are transiting through China to a third country (region) can now enter China without a visa at any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (regions and municipalities), and stay and move around within the designated areas for up to 240 hours.  

Taiyuan Wusu International Airport in Shanxi Province is among the newly added 21 ports, and the visa-free stay and activity areas have been expanded to include Taiyuan and Datong in Shanxi Province. Foreigners who meet the criteria for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy can apply to the exit-entry border inspection authorities at any of these 60 ports, and the exit-entry border inspection authorities will process temporary entry procedures. The duration of stay starts from 0:00 on the day following the day of entry.

This relaxation and optimization of the visa-free transit policy facilitates the exchange of personnel between China and foreign countries, promotes international cooperation and exchanges, and injects new momentum into high-quality economic and social development. In the future, the National Immigration Administration will continue to optimize policies for facilitating entry and exit.

Source: People’s Daily