video: 240-hour visa-free transit hits two months! What new conveniences await international travellers?

It has been two months since the National Immigration Administration of China fully relaxed and optimized the visa-free transit policy to 240-hour visa-free entry, effective December 17, 2024. By February 17, 2025, nearly 3,000 passengers have enjoyed this convenient policy at Baiyun Airport.

Compared with the previous 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners, the number of foreign passengers applying for the 240-hour visa-free transit at Baiyun Airport has increased by 120% month-on-month and by 45% compared with the previous policy handled last year.

Most of them are from European and American regions such as Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The number of Russian passengers has seen the most significant month-on-month increase, rising by 177% compared to before the policy optimization.

In addition to the extended duration, one of the differences from the previous policy is that 21 ports of entry and exit have been added. Eligible travelers can now enter China visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities).

Another significant feature of this adjustment is the allowance for cross-regional travel. This means that foreign nationals under the visa-free transit policy can travel across 24 provinces within the allowed areas. Nearly 80% of the passengers from Baiyun Airport transfer to other domestic cities for exit.

To ensure smooth clearance for travelers, the Baiyun Immigration Inspection Station promptly released Chinese and English policy guidelines and actively collaborated with the airport, tourism, and civil aviation sectors. Officers with proficiency in languages such as Arabic, English, French, and Russian are arranged for specific tasks to handle the examination and issuance of 240-hour temporary entry permits.

For foreign travelers, how can they visit China using the temporary entry permit, especially the 240-hour visa-free transit? How and where do they apply for this? How do our foreign friends feel? Let's find the answers at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport by following an immigration officer of Baiyun Immigration Inspection Station.

Reporter |  Dai Bosi

Script |  Dai Bosi, Chen Siyuan

Video |  Qin Shaolong

Poster |  Qin Shaolong

Editor |  Hu Nan, James, Shen He