China Expands 10-Day Visa-Free Transit and 30-Day Hainan Entry for Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan Travellers

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China has expanded its visa-free travel arrangements to citizens of Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, allowing eligible travellers to enter through 65 designated ports and remain for up to 240 hours. The policy also provides 30-day visa-free access to Hainan, strengthening tourism, business travel and regional connectivity across Asia.

China Extends Visa-Free Travel Access to Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan

China has expanded two important immigration policies, making short-term travel easier for ordinary passport holders from Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan.

The changes, introduced by China’s National Immigration Administration on 20 August 2026, extend the country’s 240-hour visa-free transit programme and Hainan Province’s separate 30-day visa-free entry arrangement to citizens of both countries.

The expansion increases the number of countries eligible for China’s 240-hour transit programme to 57, while Hainan’s dedicated 30-day visa-free policy now covers 61 countries.

Under the transit arrangement, eligible passengers can enter mainland China through 65 designated international entry ports across 24 provincial-level regions.

The policy allows travellers to remain in authorised areas for up to 240 hours, equivalent to ten days, provided they meet the necessary transit requirements.

Separately, Vietnamese and Kyrgyz citizens holding ordinary passports can enter Hainan Province through its approved international entry points and remain within the province for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa in advance.

The development is part of China’s wider efforts to facilitate international travel, encourage cross-border tourism and improve access for visitors from neighbouring countries.

China Visa-Free Policy 2026 – Key Changes Explained

The two visa-free arrangements have different eligibility requirements, permitted travel areas and maximum stays.

The distinction between the two policies is particularly important for travellers planning multi-destination itineraries.

The 240-hour arrangement is specifically intended for passengers transiting through China to another country or region.

Hainan’s 30-day programme is a regional visa exemption that permits eligible visitors to travel directly to the island province without needing an onward journey to a third destination.

How China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy Works

China’s 240-hour visa-free transit programme enables eligible foreign travellers to enter the country temporarily while travelling between different countries or regions.

To qualify, passengers must hold an ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket showing their departure from China to a third country or region within the permitted transit period.

For example, an eligible Vietnamese traveller flying from Vietnam to Beijing and continuing to Japan may qualify for visa-free transit if all relevant conditions are satisfied.

Similarly, an eligible Kyrgyz traveller travelling from Kyrgyzstan through Shanghai to another country may use the arrangement when the journey meets the immigration requirements.

However, a simple return journey from the traveller’s country of departure to China and back to the same country would not normally qualify under the transit programme.

The policy is designed for genuine international transit rather than unrestricted visa-free entry for any travel itinerary.

Eligible travellers may undertake short-term activities such as sightseeing, business meetings and family visits during their authorised stay.

Activities requiring advance approval, including employment, long-term study and professional news reporting, remain subject to the appropriate visa requirements.

China Opens 65 Designated Ports for Visa-Free Transit

The expanded transit programme covers 65 designated international entry ports across 24 provincial-level administrative regions.

These include major international aviation gateways in Beijing and Shanghai, along with selected airports, railway crossings and other authorised ports elsewhere in China.

The broader network allows eligible travellers to choose from multiple international arrival points when arranging journeys through the country.

Major travel gateways include:

• Beijing: An international gateway offering access to historical landmarks, cultural attractions and business districts.
• Shanghai: A major commercial and tourism centre with extensive international flight connections.
• Guangzhou: An important transport and commercial hub in southern China.
• Chengdu: A gateway to Sichuan’s cultural attractions and natural landscapes.
• Kunming: A regional transport centre serving Yunnan and destinations in southwestern China.
• Haikou and Sanya: International entry points supporting travel to Hainan Province.

Not every international airport or border crossing automatically qualifies under the 240-hour programme.

Travellers must enter through an officially designated port and remain within the areas authorised under the applicable transit rules.

They should verify their intended arrival airport, onward journey and permitted travel area before departure.

Hainan Introduces 30-Day Visa-Free Access for Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan

Alongside the national transit expansion, China has extended Hainan Province’s 30-day visa-free entry policy to Vietnamese and Kyrgyz citizens.

Hainan is an island province in southern China known for its tropical climate, coastal resorts, tourism infrastructure and developing international commercial activities.

Under the regional exemption, eligible ordinary passport holders can enter Hainan through approved international ports and remain for up to 30 days.

Unlike the 240-hour transit programme, the Hainan arrangement does not require travellers to demonstrate that they are continuing to a third country or region.

However, the exemption is geographically restricted.

Visitors using Hainan’s dedicated visa-free policy must remain within the province unless they obtain the appropriate permission or visa to travel elsewhere in mainland China.

The programme is intended to support tourism, commercial activities, family visits, exhibitions and other authorised short-term travel.

With Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan included, Hainan’s dedicated regional exemption now covers 61 countries.

Hainan Tourism Could Benefit from Expanded International Access

Hainan’s tourism economy is centred on coastal holidays, hospitality, leisure activities and international visitor services.

The province includes established resort destinations such as Sanya and Haikou, alongside natural attractions, shopping facilities and cultural experiences.

Expanding visa-free access creates additional opportunities for travel agencies, hotels, airlines and destination management companies seeking to attract international visitors.

The policy may support several tourism segments:

• Beach and resort tourism: Easier entry for eligible visitors planning coastal holidays.
• Family holidays: Greater flexibility for short-term visits and leisure travel.
• Business tourism: Improved access for meetings, exhibitions and commercial exchanges.
• Wellness tourism: Opportunities for visitors interested in health-related and relaxation experiences.
• Cultural tourism: Increased accessibility to Hainan’s regional heritage and local attractions.

The actual economic impact will depend on flight connectivity, visitor demand, travel costs and the availability of suitable tourism products.

Visa-free eligibility alone does not guarantee increased visitor arrivals, but it removes an administrative requirement that can influence travel planning.

Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan Gain Greater Flexibility for China Travel

The inclusion of Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan is particularly relevant because both countries maintain geographical and economic connections with China.

Vietnam shares a land border with southern China and has established cross-border commercial and tourism activity.

Kyrgyzstan, located in Central Asia, also shares a border with China and participates in regional transport and trade networks.

The new arrangements provide eligible travellers with additional options for combining international journeys with short visits to Chinese destinations.

For travel agencies, the 240-hour transit programme could support itineraries incorporating Chinese cities between international flights or other qualifying transport connections.

Hainan’s separate exemption may also encourage the development of short-stay island holiday packages.

Nevertheless, travellers should distinguish between the two policies when selecting flights and planning travel routes.

Important Entry Requirements for International Travellers

China’s visa-free arrangements remain subject to immigration conditions.

Passengers planning to use the expanded policies should carefully review the relevant requirements before travelling.

For 240-hour visa-free transit:

• Hold an ordinary passport and satisfy applicable document-validity requirements.
• Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
• Use one of the 65 authorised entry ports.
• Complete the journey within the permitted 240-hour period.
• Remain within the designated geographical areas.
• Undertake only activities allowed under the transit policy.

For Hainan’s 30-day visa-free entry:

• Hold an ordinary passport from an eligible country.
• Enter Hainan through an approved international port.
• Remain within Hainan Province during the visa-free stay.
• Comply with the maximum permitted stay of 30 days.
• Obtain the appropriate visa or permission before travelling elsewhere in mainland China when required.

Travellers should also comply with applicable accommodation registration rules.

Those staying outside registered hotels may be required to register their accommodation with local public security authorities within 24 hours of arrival.

Final admission remains subject to immigration inspection and compliance with China’s entry regulations.

China Strengthens International Tourism Through Easier Entry Policies

China has progressively expanded visa facilitation measures as part of efforts to support international mobility and economic exchanges.

The 240-hour transit programme allows eligible passengers to spend additional time in Chinese destinations rather than remaining within airport transit areas.

This creates opportunities for short city visits, hotel stays, shopping, restaurants and local tourism activities.

The extension to Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan also increases the geographical diversity of countries participating in the programme.

For the travel industry, clearer entry arrangements can help airlines and tour operators develop international itineraries involving Chinese destinations.

However, effective implementation depends on accurate passenger information, coordination between airlines and immigration authorities, and clear guidance on permitted routes.

Conclusion

China’s visa-free expansion gives eligible Vietnamese and Kyrgyz travellers access to ten-day transit stays and 30-day visits to Hainan. Covering 65 designated transit ports, the policy creates opportunities for tourism, business travel and regional connectivity while maintaining specific entry, onward-ticket and geographical restrictions.