Starting on Thursday 20th August 2026, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam became eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy and Hainan’s 30-day visa-free entry policy, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on the same day.

Upon the new policy’s implementation, China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 57 countries, and Hainan’s 30-day visa-free policy covers 61 countries.

Under the new policy released by NIA, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam holding ordinary passports and confirmed connecting tickets with fixed dates and itineraries, who are transiting through China to a third country or region, may enter visa-free through 65 open ports, including Beijing and Shanghai, and stay for no more than 240 hours within designated areas. Citizens of the two countries holding ordinary passports may also enter through open ports in South China’s Hainan Province and stay visa-free within Hainan for no more than 30 days.

During stays under either policy, they may engage in short-term activities such as tourism, business, visits, and family reunions. Activities that require prior approval — including work, study, and news reporting — must still be covered by an appropriate visa obtained before travel to China.