The National Immigration Administration issued a notice on July 15, announcing that the 144-hour visa-free transit policy would be implemented at the Zhengzhou Airport in Henan Province from that day on, and the stay scope would be within the administrative region of Henan Province. The stay scope of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy in Yunnan Province would be expanded from Kunming City to nine cities and prefectures, including Kunming, Lijiang, Yuxi, Pu'er, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe and Wenshan. Three new ports, including Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport and Mohan Railway Port, would be included in the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.

It is understood that, as of now, the National Immigration Administration has implemented the 144-hour visa-free transit policy at 37 ports in Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and Qinhuangdao in Hebei Province, Shenyang and Dalian in Liaoning Province, Shanghai, Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, and other places. Citizens of 54 countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can transit to third countries from the above ports with valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed dates and seats within 144 hours, and can stay in the specified area for no more than 144 hours without a visa. During the stay, they can engage in short-term activities such as tourism, business, visits, and family visits. Those who have signed visa-free agreements with China or have unilateral visa-free policies can comply with the regulations.

According to Ctrip data, the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy is continuously driving the growth of inbound tourism. In the second quarter of 2024, the number of overseas tourists from 54 countries who enjoy the 144/72-hour visa-free transit policy increased by 28% compared to the first quarter, and the inbound tourism orders in China increased by 28% compared to the first quarter. The dual-wheel drive of policy and market has brought a virtuous cycle to China's inbound tourism market and put it on the fast track of development. Next, Ctrip will actively promote ten innovative measures for inbound tourism, focusing on the common problems faced by inbound tourists, covering the whole chain of inbound tourism such as communication, payment, tickets, network, accommodation, etc., to provide more convenient tourism experience for overseas tourists.

(Ctrip Group is the member of IMTA)

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong