China has announced the expansion of its 240-hour visa-free transit program to include citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, further broadening visa-free travel options and strengthening regional mobility across Asia. The policy took effect on August 20, 2026.
With the addition of these two countries, the number of nationalities eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit program has increased to 57 countries.
What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Program?
Under the policy, eligible travelers holding:
- An ordinary passport;
- A confirmed onward ticket; and
- Travel arrangements to a third country or region,
may enter China through any of the country’s 65 designated ports of entry and remain in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without obtaining a visa.
The policy applies only to qualifying transit travelers and requires that travelers continue onward to a third destination.
Additional Hainan Visa-Free Access
China also announced that citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam will become eligible for Hainan Province’s 30-day visa-free entry program effective August 20, 2026.
Under this policy, eligible travelers may:
- Enter through Hainan’s approved ports;
- Stay visa-free for up to 30 days; and
- Engage in approved activities such as tourism and business visits.
With the inclusion of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, the number of countries covered by Hainan’s visa-free policy has increased to 61.
Permitted Activities
Travelers using either the 240-hour transit program or the Hainan visa-free entry arrangement may engage in:
- Tourism;
- Business activities;
- Family visits; and
- Exchange activities.
However, the policies do not permit:
- Employment;
- Formal study; or
- Journalism-related activities.
Individuals seeking to undertake those activities must obtain the appropriate Chinese visa before travel.
Part of China’s Broader Travel Liberalization Efforts
The latest expansion is part of China’s ongoing efforts to encourage international travel and business mobility.
Since December 2024, China has:
- Expanded visa-free transit from 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours; and
- Increased unilateral visa-free access to travelers from 50 countries for stays of up to 30 days.
These measures have contributed to significant growth in inbound travel and international visitor numbers.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.