- Effective November 5, 2025, the 24-hour direct transit exemption from immigration border inspection procedures will be replicated and promoted at 10 international airports: Tianjin Binhai, Dalian Zhoushuizi, Nanjing Lukou, Fuzhou Changle, Qingdao Jiaodong, Wuhan Tianhe, Nanning Wuxu, Haikou Meilan, Chongqing Jiangbei, and Kunming Changshui.Outbound and inbound passengers holding international connecting tickets within 24 hours and transiting directly through any of the aforementioned airports without leaving the airport to proceed to a third country or region may be exempt from immigration border inspection procedures.
- Also effective November 5, 2025, five additional ports—Guangzhou Pazhou Passenger Port, Hengqin, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Zhongshan Port, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed Rail West Kowloon Station—are designated as ports of entry eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. This brings the total number of ports of entry eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit from 60 to 65.
Citizens of the 55 countries eligible for the visa-free transit policy, holding valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets with fixed dates and itinerary, transiting through China to a third country (region), can enter visa-free from any of the 65 open ports located in 24 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) and stay in designated areas for no more than 240 hours.
During the stay, activities such as tourism, business, visits, and family visits are permitted; however, activities requiring prior approval, such as work, study, or news coverage, still require obtaining the appropriate visa before entry.
Those who qualify under mutual visa exemption agreements signed with China or under China’s unilateral visa exemption
policies may follow the relevant provisions.(The “Eligibility Conditions for Foreigners Applying for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy” are attached below.)
- Effective November 20, 2025, foreigners can pre-fill entry information online before coming to China through channels such as the National Immigration Administration website, government service platforms, the “Immigration Bureau 12367” APP and WeChat (Alipay) mini-programs, or by scanning the Entry Card Filing Code with a mobile device.
For foreigners unable to complete the online filing, they may fill in the entry information online by scanning a QR code with their mobile phone or using on-site smart equipment at the immigration border inspection area upon arrival at a Chinese port, or they may fill out a paper-based Foreigner Entry Card.
Foreigners falling under the following 7 categories are exempt from filling out the card: holders of the Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China for Foreigners; holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese nationality); those holding group visas or eligible for group visa-free entry; those under the 24-hour direct transit without leaving the port restricted area; those arriving and departing by cruise ship and returning with the same cruise ship; those using the Fast Channel for entry; and foreign crew members of inbound/outbound transportation vehicles.
The implementation of these new policies provides greater convenience for international travelers and foreigners coming to China. However, immigration policies involve numerous details, and various issues may still be encountered in practical operation.
InternationalGreater Convenience for China Transit: New Policies
2025年11月4日0
