China: To increase tourism, 10-day visa-free transit stays

China extends its visa-free travel policy. There is now a 10-day visa-free stay for visitors from 54 nations. This includes 60 ports and 24 provinces. Residents of Shenzhen are eligible to apply for Hong Kong multiple-entry visas. Additionally, China relaxes visa requirements for 38 other countries. The goal of these adjustments is to boost travel following COVID-19.China has announced a major expansion of its visa-free transit policy in an effort to increase tourism. According to recent developments, qualifying travelers will be able to increase their permitted stay from 72 to 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days, under the most recent transit program.Travelers from 54 nations, including the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, and Russia, can now pass through China without a visa on their way to a third country under the updated policy. As long as participants remain inside specified areas, the program is offered at 60 ports spread over 24 provinces. For instance, visitors to Shanghai are allowed to explore the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces as well as the larger Shanghai area. Tibet still needs extra licenses for international tourists, nevertheless.

This change in policy is in line with China's larger plan to increase foreign travel after reopening its border in 2023 after three years of stringent COVID-19 controls. China has seen a sharp rise in foreign visitor visits, according to recent data. Over half of the 8.2 million foreign visitors recorded in the third quarter of 2024—a 48.8% year-over-year increase—were made possible by the visa-free transit program, which saw a 78.6% gain in its own right.According to reports, residents of Shenzhen can now apply for multiple-entry visas to Hong Kong as of December 1. This removes previous restrictions that permitted only one weekly excursion. The updated rule restores a system that was initially implemented in 2009 and permitted an unlimited number of visits. According to accounts, the restrictions were brought about by protests against parallel trading, in which mainland consumers purchased goods in Hong Kong with the intention of reselling them for a profit. Restoring the policy is expected to increase travel and commerce between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, according to officials.Despite the fact that its visa-free policies have led to an increase in foreign arrivals, China remains selective in its broader exemptions. Citizens of 38 countries, including France, Malaysia, New Zealand, Japan, and Switzerland, are exempt from the visa requirement for a maximum of 30 days. It's interesting to note that the US is not on this list, even though American visa application requirements have been simplified since 2023. China is improving the traveler experience in other ways besides modifying visas. Simplifying travel processes, improving infrastructure, and resolving problems faced by foreign visitors are all part of the country's efforts to become a more accessible and appealing travel destination for individuals from all over the world.