China extends visa-free transit stays, adds entry points

China announced on Tuesday a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the period of stay for foreign travelers and expanding the list of accessible ports and provincial-level regions, in order to further promote openness and people-to-people exchanges.

Eligible travelers are permitted to stay in the country for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, the National Immigration Administration said.

The period of stay was previously restricted to 72 or 144 hours.