US citizens can now enter China visa-free for stays of up to 10 days

NEW YORK– China announced on Tuesday the expansion of its visa-free transit policy, enabling eligible foreign travelers, including Americans, to stay in designated areas for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, as part of efforts to attract more international visitors. China’s National Immigration Agency revealed the measure, effective immediately, through its WeChat account, stating that passport holders from 54 countries, including those in Europe, Latin America, Asia, the United States, and Canada, are eligible.

Prior to this, travelers could stay in China visa-free for 72 to 144 hours, depending on the destination, as long as they continued on to a third country or region. Travelers with confirmed tickets to exit China within 10 days can enter the country in 60 places across 24 provinces, including the capital, Beijing, and China’s largest city, Shanghai. The expanded scheme also allows transit visitors to travel across regions during the 10 days, with some restrictions.

China has been easing its visa policies to attract international visitors, including Americans, who can now transit without a visa. Passport holders from 38 countries, including France, Germany, and Japan, can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa.