China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday that the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been extended to three additional entry ports, increasing the total number of ports under this policy to 37.
The new ports include Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port in Yunnan, according to the administration’s statement.
From Monday onward, eligible foreign nationals can enter China visa-free through the Zhengzhou aviation port, with their stay restricted to Henan Province.
Moreover, individuals entering Yunnan visa-free can now stay in more areas of the province. Previously limited to Kunming, they can now visit nine city or prefecture-level areas including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna, as per the NIA.
Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Britain, qualify for the 144-hour visa-free policy for short-term activities such as travel and business visits.
The NIA statement highlighted that expanding the visa-free policy aims to offer more options for foreign nationals traveling and doing business in China. The 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy has significantly contributed to the country’s high-level opening-up, facilitating exchanges between China and other countries, and promoting cooperation. The NIA continues to commit to improving and optimizing the policy, welcoming foreign visitors with greater openness.