China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday that the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to three more entry ports, bringing the total number of ports covered by the policy to 37.
The three new ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port in Yunnan, according to a statement from the administration.
Beginning Monday, eligible foreign nationals can enter China via Zhengzhou aviation port without a visa, with their stay limited to Henan Province.
In Yunnan, visa-free entrants can now visit more areas of the province. Previously restricted to Kunming, they can now explore nine city or prefecture-level areas including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna, as stated by 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’s statement revealed that the visa-free policy expansion aims to provide more options for foreign nationals traveling and conducting business in China. The administration highlighted the important role of the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy in promoting high-level opening-up, facilitating international exchanges, and fostering cooperation. It pledged to continue improving the policy and welcoming foreign visitors with a more open attitude.