New Policy Allows 10-Day Visa-Free Entry to China for Citizens of 55 Nations

In an important step towards enhancing short-term tourism and international business contacts, China has extended its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy to citizens of 55 nations. The new policy will officially come into effect on June 12, 2025, after an announcement from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) and reported by Xinhua News Agency.

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The new policy allows travellers from Indonesia, Russia and the UK families to enter China for a maximum of 240 hours (10 days) if they are in transit to a third country or region. Travel must be for change of service purposes and occur without a visa. To qualify for this policy, you must have valid international travel documents with confirmed onwards travel tickets and seats.

Qualified travelers can enter via any of the 60 designated ports of entry in the 24 provinces and municipalities, including well-known entry points like Beijing and Shanghai. The ten days’ travel will permit all formats of travel, including tourism, business meetings, cultural exchanges and family visits. However, work permits, visas, education permits and media activities still require appropriate visas or prior approval.

The decision to include Indonesia in the policy is viewed as an important diplomatic gesture to build cooperative relations with ASEAN countries. In the NIA’s view, this extension is indicative of China’s wider commitment to opening its doors and fostering relationships in the region.

The NIA has also mentioned that it will keep improving immigration policies so that foreign nationals who are seeking to visit, study, work or live in China will find it more convenient.