China (Mainland): ASEAN-China expanded visa-free arrangements progressed

Who it affects

Travellers from designated ASEAN countries (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.).

Sources

Primary: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗

Corroborating: National Immigration Administration of China ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction

Related changes in China (Mainland)

More recent updates

In force 4 Nov 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Visa-free entry ports expanded to 65

Five new entry ports were added to the visa-free transit programme on 4 November 2025 — including Guangzhou, Zhuhai's Hengqin, Zhongshan, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the West Kowloon Station — taking the total to 65 ports across 24 provinces. Materially improves cross-border accessibility from Hong Kong to Mainland China.

Who it affects: Travellers entering China at newly-added ports.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 12 Jun 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Indonesia added to 240-hour visa-free transit; total reaches 55 countries

Indonesia was added to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy on 12 June 2025, bringing the total list to 55 countries. Reflects continuing post-pandemic opening and strategic engagement with major partner states.

Who it affects: Indonesian travellers transiting China.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 17 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

240-hour visa-free transit policy launched (extended from 72/144 hours)

On 17 December 2024, the National Immigration Administration extended the visa-free transit policy from 72/144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). 21 new entry/exit ports were added (taking the total to 60); coverage expanded to 24 provinces (added Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, Guizhou). Travellers must hold confirmed interline tickets to a third country.

Who it affects: Citizens of 55 eligible countries transiting through China for tourism / business / family visits.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗ · State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Foreign-student post-study work residence permit pilot launched

A pilot programme launched in select cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen) from December 2024 to allow foreign graduates of Chinese universities to apply for a post-study residence permit (1-year duration) without requiring a Z visa Notification at the time of application. Material softening of the historic constraint that foreign students could not transition directly to employment without leaving the country.

Who it affects: Non-Chinese graduates of Mainland Chinese universities seeking employment in China.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Nov 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Unilateral 30-day visa-free entry extended to 30+ countries

A parallel programme of unilateral visa-free entry (30 days for tourism, business, family visit, transit) was progressively extended through 2024–2025 to over 30 countries — including most EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, Brazil, and several others. Distinct from the 240-hour transit policy: no onward-ticket requirement.

Who it affects: Tourists, business visitors, and short-term-stay foreign nationals from designated countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗ · National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Healthcare

Public Universal Health Insurance enrolment for long-term foreign residents clarified

NIA and the National Healthcare Security Administration clarified in September 2024 that long-term foreign residents (Z visa holders with 6+ months of consecutive employment) are eligible for and may be required to enrol in the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance scheme — depending on the locality. Implementation varies materially across cities; Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have stricter enforcement than secondary cities.

Who it affects: Long-term foreign residents on Z visa or work-permit holders.

State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19