CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- On December 27, the Exit-Entry Administration of the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau shared a comprehensive guide to the most frequently asked questions about the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, to help travelers better understand the details and benefits of the new policy.

On December 17, the National Immigration Administration of China announced a significant update to the visa-free transit policy. Effective immediately, the policy has been expanded to allow eligible international travelers to stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) – a major increase from the previous 72 and 144-hour limits. At the same time, 21 new ports will be added to the entry-exit ports for transit visa-free personnel, and the areas for activities during the stay will be further expanded.

Citizens of 54 eligible countries who are transiting through China on their way to a third country or region can now use any of the 60 open ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities to enter China visa-free, provided they meet the requirements. The most notable change with this updated policy is the allowance for cross-regional travel within China: foreign nationals on visa-free transit can now travel between provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities within the approved stay zones.

This policy change represents a significant expansion of China's visa-free transit system and is a key step in strengthening international exchange and cooperation. It will promote deeper interactions and integration between China and the world, fostering trade, cultural exchange, and tourism.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Question 1: How can I apply for the 240-hour visa-free transit at Chongqing’s port of entry?

Answer: Travelers who meet the following criteria can apply for visa-free entry at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport’s Terminal 3: a. You must be a citizen of one of the 54 countries eligible for the visa-free transit policy; b. You need to hold a valid international travel document with at least 3 months of validity and meet the entry requirements for your destination country or region; c. You must have a connecting flight ticket to a third country (or region) with a confirmed date and seat within 240 hours of your arrival in China, or provide a relevant certificate. You will need to fill out a temporary entry card and undergo inspection and questioning by the entry-exit border inspection authority.

Question 2: How is the 240-hour visa-free transit time calculated for stays within China?

Answer: The 240-hour stay begins at midnight on the day following your entry into China. For example, if you enter China on December 19, 2024, your 240-hour stay begins on December 20, 2024, and you can remain in the approved transit areas for up to 10 days, until December 29, 2024 (midnight).

Question 3: In which areas can I travel during the 240-hour visa-free stay?

Answer: The key feature of this policy is the allowance for cross-regional travel. For instance, under the previous 144-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers entering China through Chongqing could only stay within the city. The new 240-hour policy removes this restriction. Now, travelers can enter China at any of the 60 open ports in the country and travel across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, which allows for much more flexibility in planning your itinerary within the approved zones.

Question 4: What if I need to stay in China for more than 240 hours or travel beyond the approved areas due to special circumstances?

Answer: If you encounter an unexpected situation, such as needing medical treatment, humanitarian reasons, or other legitimate causes that require you to stay longer than 240 hours or travel outside the designated areas, you can apply for an extended stay permit through the local exit-entry administration by providing relevant documentation.

Question 5: What is the difference between the 240-hour visa-free transit and the mutual or unilateral visa exemption policies?
Answer: Among the 54 countries eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit, some countries, such as France, Australia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, already have mutual or unilateral visa exemption agreements with China. For these countries, the entry exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days, which is more flexible than the 240-hour transit policy. Travelers can choose the most suitable visa-free policy based on their specific circumstances, enabling them to better plan their trip and prepare the required documents in advance.

Important reminders from the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration:

1. Foreign nationals entering China under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy can engage in activities such as tourism, business, visiting family, and personal travel. However, activities that require prior approval—such as working, studying, or conducting media interviews—still require a visa.

2. Upon arrival, travelers must promptly register their temporary residence with the local public security authorities. It is also important to plan your itinerary within China and familiarize yourself with the administrative regions where the visa-free transit policy applies. Please ensure that your activities do not exceed the scope permitted by the policy.

3. Foreign nationals who do not meet the requirements for visa-free entry but need urgent entry into Chongqing can apply for a port visa at the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration. For assistance, you can contact the National Immigration Administration at 12367, or reach out to the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration Port Visa Office at:
Visa Office: 023-63961955
Email: kaqzchu@126.com

The Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration is committed to fully implementing various immigration policies and measures to facilitate international exchanges. We warmly welcome international visitors to experience the openness, inclusiveness, and magic of Chongqing!

More Information:

Here is the full list of 54 countries eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy:

European Countries (40): 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, Croatia, Norway, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus.

American Countries (6): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.

Oceania Countries (2): Australia, New Zealand.

Asian Countries (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)