Citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam are officially eligible for China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy starting Thursday, August 20, 2026, according to an announcement by the National Immigration Administration (NIA). Under the updated framework, citizens of both nations holding ordinary passports and confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region can enter visa-free through 65 designated open ports—including major international gateways like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou—and stay for up to 240 hours. In addition, travelers from both countries can enter Hainan Province through any open port and remain visa-free for up to 30 days.
With the inclusion of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam, China’s 240-hour visa-free transit scheme has now expanded to cover 57 countries worldwide, while Hainan’s 30-day visa-free policy reaches 61 countries. Eligible visitors under both programs can freely conduct short-term activities such as leisure sightseeing, business negotiations, cultural visits, and family reunions without prior visa processing, while activities requiring special permits—such as employment, study, or news reporting—remain subject to standard visa procedures. NIA officials highlighted that this expansion serves as a practical measure to deepen high-level opening-up and foster closer regional cooperation with neighboring countries.
This latest policy relaxation is set to inject fresh vitality into China travel, particularly for regional travelers from Central Asia and Southeast Asia planning multi-destination itineraries. Visitors from Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam can now seamlessly explore key historical metropolises, cultural attractions, or Hainan’s tropical coastal resorts with minimal administrative friction. As China continues to optimize its border entry measures, payment ecosystems, and multilingual travel services, expanding visa exemption channels solidifies the nation’s position as an accessible, welcoming destination for global guests and cross-border holidaymakers.