China Expands 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy to Three More Entry Ports

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China announced on Monday the expansion of the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy to include three additional entry ports, bringing the total number of ports covered by the policy to 37.

The newly added ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port in Yunnan, as stated by the NIA.

Effective immediately, eligible foreign nationals can enter China through Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport visa-free, with their stay limited to Henan Province. Additionally, visitors entering Yunnan visa-free can now explore more areas of the province. Previously restricted to Kunming, they can now visit nine city or prefecture-level areas including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna.

Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Britain, are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free policy, facilitating short-term activities such as travel and business visits.

The NIA highlighted that the expansion of the visa-free policy aims to provide more options for foreign nationals traveling and conducting business in China. The agency emphasized that the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy has been instrumental in the country’s high-level opening-up, fostering international exchanges and cooperation. The NIA also pledged to continue improving and optimizing the policy to welcome foreign visitors with a more open approach.