China has made a significant change to its transit visa policies, offering foreign visitors greater flexibility when traveling through the country. According to an announcement on Tuesday by the National Immigration Administration, the visa-free transit period for citizens of 54 countries has been extended from 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). This development is seen as a major opportunity for tourists and businesspeople considering a visit to China. Tourists from neighboring countries like South Korea have quickly adapted, using weekend getaways to explore China. This policy not only boosts tourism but also contributes to other sectors like trade and investment.
Following the introduction of a visa-free entry policy with South Korea in November, China has become an attractive destination for South Korean visitors. Young South Koreans note that the policy offers significant financial and time-saving benefits. Demand for flights and accommodations from South Korea to China has surged, with cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou ranking among the most popular destinations. Moreover, the new transit policy allows foreign visitors to travel freely across 24 provinces, further diversifying the range of destinations.
The new visa-free transit policy also opens significant opportunities for the business sector. For instance, at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Zhejiang Province, international trade has accelerated thanks to these policy improvements. Businesspeople arriving in China under the Belt and Road Initiative now enjoy greater mobility. A 3D printing company owner in Yiwu highlighted that allowing foreign clients to inspect products in person builds trust and facilitates deals. However, limited direct international flights to trade hubs like Yiwu remain a challenge that needs to be addressed.
The policy’s benefits extend beyond major cities, allowing more foreign visitors to access China’s second- and third-tier cities. For example, Quanzhou in Fujian Province, known for its rich cultural heritage, aims to capitalize on these new policies. However, the lack of sufficient international flight connections to many emerging destinations remains an obstacle. According to the China Tourism Academy, these new policies are expected to boost tourism revenue in the long term and promote more balanced economic development across regions.
China’s efforts to facilitate international visitors are part of its broader strategy for high-level openness. With more policy improvements anticipated, the country aims to expand its “circle of international friends,” enhancing its appeal for both tourism and trade.