Invitation Letter For Visa Application

What Is China's Visa-Free Transit Policy?

On December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration announced the extension of China’s visa-free transit policy from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days)^[1]. The policy also includes 21 new ports of entry, expanding the total to 60 ports across 24 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions.

As of June 12, 2025, travelers from 55 eligible countries, including Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, newly added country Indonesia and more, can transit through China to a third country or region without a visa. Visitors may enter through any of the 60 designated ports and stay within the permitted areas for up to 240 hours.

Eligibility Requirements for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

To qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers must meet the following criteria:

Nationality: Must hold a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries (updated from 54 to 55 as of June 12, 2025).
Valid Passport: Must have a passport with at least 3 months of validity remaining at the time of entry.
Confirmed Onward Ticket: Must have a confirmed onward ticket (with assigned seat and departure time) to a third country or region within the 240-hour time limit.
Entry Documentation: Must fill out the Temporary Entry Card for Foreign Nationals and pass immigration inspection upon arrival.

Which Countries' Citizens Are Eligible For China's Visa-Free Transit Policy?

To obtain this visa exemption, the foreign national must have a valid passport from one of the 55 countries^[2], which are:

Europe (40 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway
Americas (6 countries): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand
Asia (7 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia

Sources:

1. ENGLISH.GOV.CN: https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202412/17/content_WS6760ead6c6d0868f4e8ee0c1.html#:~:text=Individuals from 54 eligible countries, including Russia, Brazil,,transit travelers for no more than 240 hours.

2. China's National Immigration Authority (NIA): https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741577/c1731205/content.html