As of December 1, 2023, China has implemented a visa-free entry policy for travelers holding ordinary passports from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. This policy will remain in effect until November 30, 2024.
On the inaugural day of this policy’s implementation, a total of 2,029 visa-free entries were recorded from these six nations. Malaysian citizens accounted for the highest number, with 1,113 entries, while French citizens experienced the largest day-on-day increase at 52.31 percent, totaling 227 entries. Overall, the number of individuals entering China from these six countries increased by 12.54 percent compared to the previous day.
To ensure the smooth execution of this new visa-free entry policy and enhance personnel exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has coordinated efforts at border inspection authorities nationwide. Measures include optimizing police force deployment, providing on-site guidance, opening sufficient inspection channels, and streamlining clearance procedures at entry and exit ports. The NIA is also guiding local public security organizations’ exit/entry administration authorities to facilitate the stay and residence of foreign nationals entering China without visas, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Expansion of 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policies to 54 Countries.
China has expanded its 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies to include visitors from Norway, effective from November 17, 2023. This expansion has increased the number of countries covered by these policies to 54. Below is an updated list of eligible countries:
Europe (40 countries): Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
The Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the United States.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
Asia: Brunei, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Qatar, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
Requirements for Foreigners Applying for 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China
- The individual must be a citizen of one of the countries eligible for the 72/144-hour visa-free transit.
- A valid international travel document, with a minimum validity of three months, is required to prove nationality and identity. Additionally, the traveler must meet the conditions for entering a third country/region.
- Holding a connecting ticket to a third country/region with a confirmed departure date and seat within 72/144 hours, or relevant certificates based on the applied transit duration, is mandatory. Travelers should complete the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners and be prepared for inquiries from entry-exit border inspection authorities.
Temporary entry permits will not be issued to foreigners in the following situations:
- If their passport or any other international travel document has less than three months of validity remaining, or if any of their travel documents have been stamped with a rejection by a visa-issuing agency in China.
- If they have a record of illegal entry, exit, residence, or employment within the last five years.
Foreigners falling under these circumstances are not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa-free transit.
