On December 21st, at 2:30 AM, Josephine King, a Canadian passenger on flight D7352, successfully completed customs clearance at Changsha Huanghua International Airport. Ms. King became the first foreign national to benefit from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on December 17 that it would fully relax and optimize the visa-free transit policy, effective immediately. The stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 ports of entry and exit have been added for visa-free transit individuals, further expanding the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers. Eligible individuals from 54 eligible countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada, traveling from China to a third country (region), can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports including Changsha Huanghua International Airport and Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport.

A spokesperson for the Hunan General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection noted that under the updated policy, the permitted stay for eligible passengers entering China through Changsha Huanghua International Airport has been extended from 72 hours to 240 hours. Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport in Hunan Province is among the 21 newly added ports for visa-free transit. By December 17, Hunan had recorded nearly 470,000 inbound foreign visits, up 163.4% year on year. Visa-free entries accounted for 180,000 of these visits, representing a remarkable 868% year-on-year growth.

So far, Changsha Huanghua International Airport and Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport have each designated a dedicated area for filling out applications for temporary entry permits. Security officers are on duty to provide services on-site, ensuring a smooth custom clearance for passengers.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn