From 20 August 2026, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam will be able to use 240-hour visa-free transit through China when travelling onwards to a third country or region. The National Immigration Administration of the People’s Republic of China announced this, reports
Global Times, a TV BRICS partner.
To enter under this scheme, travellers must have a valid passport and a confirmed onwards ticket with a fixed date and route. Visa-free stays in China are limited to 240 hours (10 days). Entry is permitted through 65 ports of entry open to international traffic, including airports in Beijing and Shanghai.
In addition, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam may enter Hainan Province without a visa and stay there for up to 30 days. Tourism, business trips, visits to relatives and other short-term activities are permitted under this scheme. A corresponding visa is still required for employment, study and journalistic activities.
China’s 240-hour visa-free transit programme applies to citizens of 57 countries, while the 30-day visa-free entry programme for Hainan applies to citizens of 61 countries. Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam are now included in both lists.
The authorities noted that the expansion of the visa-free regime is intended to make travel, trade, tourism and investment more convenient, as well as strengthen mutual trust and cooperation between China and other countries.