China has expanded its 240-hour visa-free transit program to citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, increasing the total number of eligible countries to 57.
Under the expanded policy, eligible travelers from the two countries can enter China through designated ports without obtaining a visa, provided they are traveling onward to a third country or region.
The program allows qualifying passengers to remain in China for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, during transit. Travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the areas permitted under the visa-free transit rules.
China has gradually expanded the program as part of efforts to make international travel more convenient and encourage greater tourism and international exchanges.
The policy was significantly relaxed in December 2024 when China’s National Immigration Administration extended the maximum visa-free transit period from 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours.
Authorities also expanded the number of entry and exit ports and increased the areas available to eligible transit passengers.
The latest additions of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam bring the total number of countries covered by the policy to 57. Indonesian citizens were previously added in September 2025, taking the number of eligible countries to 55 at that time.
Under the rules, travelers must enter China through designated open ports and continue their journey to a third country or region. They can remain within approved areas for the duration of their visa-free transit period.
Earlier details of the expanded framework stated that travelers could use 60 open ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.
The expansion is expected to make China more accessible to eligible international travelers, particularly those using the country as a transit destination while traveling between different parts of Asia and other global destinations.
However, travelers should check the latest requirements before making travel arrangements, including eligible entry ports, approved areas and onward-ticket conditions, as immigration rules may vary depending on nationality and route.
Also read: China Extends Visa-Free Stay for Malaysians
