The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced today that it will fully relax and optimize the visa-free transit policy, which is effective immediately. The stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 ports of entry and exit have been added for visa-free transit individuals, further expanding the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers. Individuals from 54 eligible countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada, traveling from China to a third country (region), can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers for no more than 240 hours.

The 21 newly added ports for the visa-free transit policy are Taiyuan Wusu International Airport in Shanxi Province, Su’nan Shuofang International Airport and Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport in Jiangsu Province, Wenzhou Longwan International Airport and Yiwu Airport in Zhejiang Province, Hefei Xinqiao International Airport and Huangshan Tunxi International Airport in Anhui Province, Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, and Wuyishan Airport in Fujian Province, Nanchang Changbei International Airport in Jiangxi Province, Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, Yantai Penglai International Airport, and Weihai Dashuipo International Airport in Shandong Province, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport in Hunan Province, Nanning Wuxu International Airport and Beihai Fucheng Airport in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport in Hainan Province, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Sichuan Province, and Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in Guizhou Province. The number of opened ports has increased from the original 39 to 60.

The fully relaxed and optimized 240-hour visa-free transit policy has further expanded the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers. The number of provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) that can be visited under this policy has increased from the original 19 (Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Liaoning Province, Heilongjiang Province, Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Shandong Province, Henan Province, Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, Yunnan Province, and Shaanxi Province) to 24 (with Shanxi Province, Anhui Province, Jiangxi Province, Hainan Province, and Guizhou Province added to the list). In the newly added five provinces, the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers in Anhui Province, Hainan Province, and Guizhou Province include the entire province. In Shanxi Province, the areas are limited to Taiyuan and Datong, and in Jiangxi Province, the areas cover Nanchang and Jingdezhen. The areas in Fujian Province, Hubei Province, and Shaanxi Province are expanded to the entire respective provinces, and in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the area expands to the administrative regions of Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, and Laibin. Foreign nationals entering China through the visa-free transit policy can make cross-province travels within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers in these 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).

According to an NIA official, the recent relaxation and optimization of the visa-free transit policy is a significant step taken by NIA in line with its commitment to thoroughly learning and implementing the instructions from the Central Economic Work Conference, aiming to proactively serve and promote a high-standard opening up while facilitating the exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals. This initiative is beneficial for accelerating cross-border flows of people, promoting international communication and cooperation, and injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the economy and society. Going forward, the NIA will continue to deepen the institutional openness of immigration management, continually optimize and improve the policies facilitating entry and exit for immigrants, and enhance the convenience for foreign nationals to study, work, and live in China. NIA invites more foreign friends to come to China and experience the beauty of the country in this new era firsthand.

On December 4, 2024, at the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay, the Committee officially decided to include “Spring Festival – The Social Practice of Celebrating the Chinese New Year” in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This historic decision marks a global recognition of the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year, a celebration that has been passed down through generations and is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It has a history spanning thousands of years, rich with cultural practices, rituals, and symbols. During the celebration, people engage in various customs, including family reunions, special festive meals, ancestor worship, dragon and lion dances, and setting off fireworks. The festival is celebrated with joy and harmony, emphasizing values of unity, prosperity, and good fortune for the coming year.

In addition to being celebrated in China, the Spring Festival has become a significant event for Chinese communities around the world, transcending national borders. Each year, millions of people participate in public and private celebrations, not only in China but also in countries across Asia and beyond, reflecting the growing global spread of this cultural tradition.

The decision to inscribe the Spring Festival on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List highlights the international community’s respect for and recognition of China’s rich cultural heritage. It also strengthens efforts to protect and preserve this vital cultural practice. UNESCO’s recognition of the Spring Festival will serve as an international platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of global awareness about this traditional celebration.

The cultural value of the Spring Festival extends beyond the festive activities themselves. It embodies the deep meaning of family reunions, cultural continuity, and social cohesion. As globalization continues to progress, more and more people, regardless of their cultural background, are participating in the celebrations. The Spring Festival has grown into a global cultural event, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared appreciation of Chinese traditions.

UNESCO’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in today’s interconnected world. It also presents new opportunities for promoting cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Through this recognition, the Spring Festival will continue to play a vital role in fostering cultural diversity and enriching the shared heritage of humanity.

At a regular press conference on November 22, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced a significant enhancement to China’s visa-free travel policy, aimed at fostering greater ease of exchange between China and the rest of the world.

Starting November 30, 2024, through December 31, 2025, citizens holding ordinary passports from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan will enjoy visa-free entry into China on a trial basis.

In a further stride toward accessibility, China will also expand the scope of visa-free entry to include exchange visits, in addition to current purposes such as business, tourism, and family reunions. Moreover, the permitted visa-free stay duration will double from 15 days to 30 days, offering travelers more time to explore, connect, and collaborate.

From November 30, 2024, travelers from the above nine countries, along with citizens of the 38 countries already on China’s visa-free list, can enter China for business, sightseeing, family visits, exchange programs, or transits of up to 30 days, without the hassle of applying for a visa.

This initiative underscores China’s commitment to building stronger ties and promoting cultural, economic, and personal exchanges on a global scale. Whether for business opportunities, unforgettable travel experiences, or meaningful connections, China is now more open than ever.

A warm welcome awaits you—come and experience the diversity, charm, and dynamism of China!