The Chinese government announced on Monday an extension of its 240-hour visa-free transit program to more ports of entry. China will also extend its unilateral visa waiver agreements for more than 40 countries until December 31, 2026.
The ports recently added to the program include Guangzhou, Zhuhai’s Hengqin, and Zhongshan, as well as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail link, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).
The new policy took effect on Wednesday, November 5, and is expected to increase the total number of eligible ports across China for 240-hour visa-free transit from 60 to 65.
Under this policy, travelers from 55 eligible countries who meet certain criteria will be able to enter China through any of these ports in 24 provincial-level regions and stay in the country for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, without a visa before continuing on to a third destination, according to the NIA.
The measure is one of 10 new policies regarding “departure and arrival management to further facilitate travel to and from the country for both Chinese citizens and foreigners.”
The National Immigration Authority (NIA) also announced that starting November 20, foreigners visiting China will have the option to complete their entry cards online before arrival, or they can choose to fill them out on-site using electronic devices provided at inspection points, or opt for traditional paper entry cards.
M.Pino
Source: xinhuanet
(Reference image source: vista pan on Unsplash)
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