China’s Game-Changing 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy

In a major boost to global travel and B2B mobility, China has expanded its visa-free transit policy, allowing travellers from 55 countries to enjoy up to 10 days of hassle-free entry. The policy, officially in effect as of June 2025, is part of China’s broader initiative to rebuild international tourism and commercial ties following pandemic disruptions.

For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate planners, this offers tremendous opportunities to package new short-haul China itineraries for business, trade fairs, conferences, and leisure — all without lengthy visa delays.

What is China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

China’s visa-free transit policy allows eligible foreign nationals to enter China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting to a third destination.

◉ No visa required for 10 days
◉ Transit passengers must travel onward to a third country
◉ Requires a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket & proof of accommodation

This exemption simplifies short business visits, corporate meetings, trade exhibitions, and leisure stopovers, especially for passengers planning multi-country travel across Asia-Pacific.

The Newly Expanded List of 55 Eligible Countries

The policy has been extended to include new entrants such as Indonesia, Russia, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and more, strengthening China’s international connectivity.

Full List of Eligible Countries (2025):

Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Entry Points: Where Can Eligible Travellers Land?

The policy covers 60 ports of entry across China, including:

Major international airports: Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), Chengdu (CTU), and many more.
Key seaports: Shanghai Cruise Terminal, Tianjin Port, Guangzhou Port, etc.
Designated regional hubs: Xi’an, Chongqing, Wuhan, Kunming, Harbin, etc.

Passengers must stay within the permitted transit zones during their visit.

Travel Requirements for Visa-Free Transit

To qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit, travellers must:

Note for B2B agents: Ensure clients have clear travel itineraries to avoid transit violations.

How the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Benefits the B2B Travel Industry

For corporate travel agents and consolidators, this policy opens new doors:

The simplified entry process also saves time, cost, and administrative efforts for corporate planners managing high-frequency travellers.

Key B2B Opportunities by Sector

Sector	Opportunity
Trade Fairs	Quick access to Canton Fair, China-ASEAN Expo, and Auto Shanghai
Pharmaceutical	Shanghai, Beijing, and Suzhou pharma clusters open for short-term visits
Manufacturing	Supply chain audits and factory inspections simplified
Tech & Startups	Startup meets, exhibitions, and venture summits
Luxury Travel	High-end short leisure trips for premium clientele

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