On December 17, the National Immigration Administration announced the full relaxation and optimization of the transit visa-free policy. Effective immediately, the maximum stay for foreign nationals entering China under the transit visa-free policy has been extended from 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 new ports of entry have been added to the list of locations where foreign nationals can enter and exit under the transit visa-free policy, and the permitted travel area has been further expanded. Nationals from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, can now enter China visa-free through any of 60 open ports of entry in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) while traveling to a third country or region, and can stay within the designated area for up to 240 hours.

Starting from December 17, Fujian Province has expanded its transit visa-free policy to include not only the original ports of entry at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Wutong Ferry Terminal, and the International Cruise Terminal, but also the new ports of entry at Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, and Wuyishan Airport. Foreign nationals entering under the transit visa-free policy are now allowed to stay within a broader activity area, which has been expanded from Xiamen to the entire Fujian Province. In addition, they are permitted to travel across provinces within the allowed 240-hour stay area across the 24 provinces (autonomous regions, and municipalities).

Eligible foreign nationals must hold a valid international travel document with at least three months of validity remaining, as well as a confirmed onward ticket or other documentation showing their scheduled date and seat for travel to a third country or region within 240 hours. They must also fill out a temporary entry card for foreign nationals and can submit their application to border inspection authorities at any of 60 ports of entry, including those in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xiamen. The border inspection authorities will process their temporary entry, and the visa-free stay will begin at midnight the day after their arrival.

It is reported that the 240-hour transit visa-free policy at the Xiamen port is an upgrade following the implementation of a 72-hour policy at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport on April 1, 2015, and a 144-hour policy at Xiamen's sea and air transport ports starting January 1, 2019.

As of December 16, 2024, the Gaoqi Branch of the Xiamen Entry and Exit Border Inspection Station has issued 144-hour transit visa-free permits to more than 3,000 eligible foreign travelers. Nearly 85% of them came for tourism or business purposes in Xiamen, with Australian nationals accounting for about 20% of the applicants. Additionally, the peak periods for transit visa-free applications coincide with major events in Xiamen, such as the International Stone Fair, China International Fair for Investment & Trade, various sports events, and the Spring Festival when overseas Chinese return home for family reunions.

With the growing appeal of policies like visa exemptions and transit visa-free arrangements, exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals have become increasingly frequent. In 2024 alone, nearly 400,000 foreign visitors have entered through the Xiamen port, marking a 70% increase year-on-year.

The relaxation and optimization of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy will benefit more foreign travelers with diverse itineraries. The simplified application process and faster handling will provide greater flexibility for travelers to plan their trips, allowing for more time to engage in business and tourism activities while enjoying the local culture and experiencing the beauty of China. Following this optimization, it is expected that passenger traffic will see a significant surge, with growth expected to increase exponentially.

 

 

 

From:investxiamen.org.cn