The new 240-hour visa-free transit policy will apply at Pazhou Passenger Port, Hengqin Port, the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, Zhongshan Port, and the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link West Kowloon Station. With these additions, the total number of ports covered by the scheme will increase from 60 to 65 nationwide.
Under the program, travelers from 55 eligible countries holding valid travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed dates and destinations may enter China visa-free through one of the 65 designated ports across 24 provinces. They can stay within specified regions for up to 240 hours (10 days) and engage in activities such as tourism, business, family visits, or short-term exchanges. However, employment, study, or journalistic activities still require prior approval.
SHANGHAI, Sept. 15, 2025 (Xinhua) — An immigration officer helps Russian travelers to fill in arrival cards in east China’s Shanghai, Sept. 15, 2025. On Sept. 2, China announced a trial visa-free policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports, effective from Sept. 15, 2025, to Sept. 14, 2026.
Russian citizens holding ordinary passports who come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends or exchange visits and transit for no more than 30 days can enter China visa-free. (Xinhua/Tang Siqi)
In a related move, the NIA will also implement 24-hour direct transit procedures at 10 additional international airports — Tianjin Binhai, Dalian Zhoushuizi, Nanjing Lukou, Fuzhou Changle, Qingdao Jiaodong, Wuhan Tianhe, Nanning Wuxu, Haikou Meilan, Chongqing Jiangbei, and Kunming Changshui. Passengers with international connecting flights departing for a third country or region within 24 hours will be exempted from regular border inspection procedures.
The NIA said these reforms are intended to facilitate cross-border travel, enhance convenience for foreign visitors, and further open China’s entry-exit system. Starting Nov 20th, inbound travelers will also be able to complete entry declarations online through the NIA’s official website, e-government platform, or its “12367” mobile app and WeChat mini-program.
