China's National Immigration Administration has announced a major update to its visa-free transit policy, effective December 17, 2024. The permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers has been extended from the previous 72 or 144 hours to a generous 240 hours (10 days).
Travelers under this policy can now explore across 24 provinces with applicable visa-free transit rules, including full access to Zhejiang Province, where Hangzhou is a standout destination.
Citizens from the following 54 countries can take advantage of this visa-free transit opportunity:
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 (6 Countries):
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
This expanded policy opens the door for a deeper dive into Hangzhou and beyond—perfect for experiencing Zhejiang’s rich culture, scenic beauty, and vibrant cities like Hangzhou, all without the hassle of a visa!