China Introduces 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit for All Travellers: What It Means for B2B Travel Agents

China Introduces 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit for All Travellers: What It Means for B2B Travel Agents

Major Policy Shift: Visa-Free Entry for Transit Travellers

In a strategic move to revitalize tourism and streamline global travel, China has officially implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for travellers of all nationalities. Effective May 13, 2025, this policy applies across all international ports—airports, seaports, and train stations with immigration facilities.

For B2B travel agents and corporate travel consultants, this development unlocks a new level of flexibility in routing clients through China without added visa complexities or delays.

What Is the 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

China’s updated policy allows travellers who are transiting through the country to stay for up to 24 hours without a visa, provided they are en route to a third destination. This includes:

• International layovers by air, sea, or rail

• Eligibility for all passport holders, regardless of nationality

• Temporary entry permits available for sightseeing or hotel stays

Whether your clients are flying from Delhi to Seoul via Beijing or sailing from Japan to Dubai through Shanghai, they now have the opportunity to explore China during their stopover.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Visa-Free Transit

• Book a qualifying itinerary: Your client's trip must involve a third country. E.g., Mumbai → Shanghai → Tokyo qualifies, but Mumbai → Shanghai → Mumbai does not.

• Arrive at an eligible international port: Major airports like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN) and others are all covered.

• Carry the required documents:

  • Valid passport (6+ months)

  • Confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours

  • Valid visa for the destination (if required)

• Notify the airline during check-in: Let them know your client will use the visa-free transit service.

• Request temporary entry (optional): If the traveller wishes to leave the port, they can request a Temporary Entry Permit at immigration upon arrival.
  

Can Travellers Leave the Airport or Port?

Yes, but only with a Temporary Entry Permit, issued at the discretion of border officers. This allows for short city visits, business meetings, or hotel stays, provided the traveller returns within 24 hours.

Why It Matters for B2B Travel Professionals

1. No More Transit Visa Delays

This is a game-changer for multi-leg itineraries, especially those using low-cost carriers with long layovers in China.

2. Increased Routing Flexibility

Agents can now confidently book China-based stopovers without concern for visa logistics—making fare hunting and itinerary planning easier.

3. Value-Added Experience for Clients

With sightseeing options and city access, you can build unique micro-tours in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Chengdu during layovers.

Key Rules and Reminders

• Maximum stay: 24 hours from arrival to departure

• Must transit to a third country (not return to origin)

• Immigration discretion applies to temporary entry

• Applies to all forms of transit: air, sea, rail
  

Who Benefits?

This visa-free window is ideal for:

• Corporate travellers needing flexibility

• Budget-conscious passengers choosing layover-based itineraries

• Tour operators & DMCs creating short stopover experiences

• Transit agents coordinating flight and visa logistics
  

Pro Tips for Seamless Transit

• Print all tickets in advance

• Double-check flight schedules to avoid 24-hour violations

• Carry emergency travel insurance

• Apply for temporary entry early if planning city exploration
  

BONUS: 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Still Active

In addition to this 24-hour policy, China still offers 10-day visa-free transit access for passport holders from 54 countries (e.g., USA, UK, India, Canada) via 60 ports across 24 provinces.

Final Takeaway for Travel Professionals

China’s 24-hour visa-free transit policy is more than a convenience—it’s a powerful new tool for B2B agents managing complex travel logistics. Whether you're building corporate travel solutions or multi-country tour packages, this update offers cost-effective, visa-free access to one of Asia’s top gateways.

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