China widens visa-free entry and 10-day transit as it opens its doors to more visitors
Beijing expands 30-day visa-free entry to dozens of countries and stretches visa-free transit to 240 hours, making short stays and stopovers far easier.
Deborah Chidinma
News Anchor, China
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China has markedly widened its visa-free travel offer, pairing a 30-day visa-free entry scheme for citizens of dozens of countries with an expanded 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy.
Under the transit rules, eligible nationals from 55 countries can enter and leave through dozens of designated ports across two dozen provinces and municipalities — provided they are travelling on to a third country with valid documents and an onward ticket.
Separately, the unilateral 30-day visa-free entry programme now covers more than 50 countries for tourism, business, family visits and exchange, with Canada and the United Kingdom among recent additions and many arrangements confirmed through the end of 2026.
Travellers generally do not need to pre-register; the waiver is applied at the port of entry, though authorities advise checking the latest country lists and conditions before flying.
For diaspora families and businesspeople, the easing promises simpler reunions, conferences and trade trips — part of a broader push to reconnect China with the world.
