China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced that the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been extended to include three additional entry ports, increasing the total number to 37.
The newly added ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port in Yunnan. Starting now, eligible foreign nationals can enter China visa-free through the Zhengzhou airport, with their stay restricted to Henan Province.
In Yunnan, visa-free visitors are now permitted to stay in more regions beyond just Kunming. These regions include nine city or prefecture-level areas such as Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna, according to the NIA.
Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Britain, are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for short-term activities like travel and business visits.
The NIA stated that expanding the visa-free policy is expected to provide 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 international exchanges and cooperation. The administration committed to further improving and optimizing the policy to welcome foreign visitors with a more open approach.