China will expand its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports, enhancing travel and business access, boosting tourism, and promoting international exchanges and cooperation.
BEIJING – In a key move to strengthen China’s appeal to international tourists and business travelers, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to three ports of entry, bringing the total number of ports covered by the policy to 37, further facilitating international travel and commerce.
The newly added ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan Province, and Meihan Railway Port, also in Yunnan Province. The policy adjustment will allow eligible foreigners to enter China through these ports and stay visa-free for up to 144 hours.
Local details and attractions
Foreign travellers entering China through Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport can now explore Henan province, renowned for its historical significance and cultural heritage. Home to the capitals of several ancient dynasties and home to tourist attractions such as the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes, Henan province attracts history buffs from around the world.
In Yunnan, the policy extension allows travelers to explore nine more city- or county-level regions beyond the provincial capital, Kunming, including well-known destinations such as Lijiang, Dali and Xishuangbanna. Yunnan’s diverse attractions include multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Lijiang Old Town and the Hani Rice Terraces, and a rich interweaving of more than 20 ethnic groups, making it a unique, culture-immersed travel destination.
Promoting tourism and business
The policy expansion is part of a broader strategy to invigorate China’s tourism sector and enhance international business exchanges. Currently, nationals of 54 countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, can benefit from the 144-hour visa-free policy for short-term travel and business visits. The NIA expects that these measures will provide foreigners with more travel options, thereby boosting inbound tourism and promoting business exchanges.
The NIS statement stressed that the 72-hour/144-hour visa-free transit policies have made great contributions to China’s high-level opening-up and promoted international exchanges and cooperation. The government remains committed to optimizing and improving these policies to welcome more foreign tourists with an open and inclusive approach.
Impact on travel to Japan
In China, the number of foreign tourists in the first half of this year reached 14.64 million, up 152.7% from last year, showing a remarkable increase in inbound travel. In particular, the number of tourists who entered China without a visa was 8.54 million, up 190.1% from last year. These figures confirm the increasing appeal of China as a travel destination.
To make it easier for foreigners to enter and stay, China has introduced additional measures, including relaxed visa application requirements, streamlined procedures, border check exemptions for certain transit passengers, and more convenient mobile payment options for foreigners. These efforts are expected to continue the upward trend in foreign visitor numbers through the second half of the year.
Global Perceptions and Future Outlook
As China eases travel restrictions and continues to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, it is fast becoming a preferred destination for international tourists. With an increase in travel stories shared on social media, “China travel” has become a trending search term across multiple global platforms, highlighting China’s growing popularity.
Looking back on these developments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, “China will continue to embrace the world with open arms, inject new vitality into the international community through development, and further enhance the energy and enthusiasm of people-to-people exchanges.”
With the expansion of its visa-free policy, China is poised to attract more international tourists and business travelers and strengthen its position as a global hub for travel and economic activity.
Theodore is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of the TravelDailyNews Media Network and is responsible for business development and planning for the long-term opportunities for TravelDailyNews.