China Expands Transit Visa-Free Policy in Henan and Yunnan Provinces

Effective July 15, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has expanded China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy.

  • The policy is now implemented at the Zhengzhou Airport in Henan Province.
  • In Yunnan Province, the policy is now implemented at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport and Mohan Railway Port, as well as Kunming Changshui International Airport, and expanded to nine cities, including Kunming, Lijiang, Yuxi, Pu’er, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe and Wenshan City (state) administrative area.

Citizens of 54 countries who hold valid international travel documents and a connecting ticket with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours, can transit to a third country via one of these ports and stay in these areas for no more than 144 hours. During the period of stay, travellers can engage in short-term activities such as tourism, business, visit, family visit, etc. Work, study, journalism and other purposes of travel still need to be approved in advance with a pre-arrival visa application.

Erickson Insights & Analysis

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.