China waives transit visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens

The new policy was announced by China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) on August 20. It applies to citizens of Viet Nam and Kyrgyzstan, allowing them to transit visa-free for 240 hours (equivalent to 10 days) through 65 ports and enter Hainan Province visa-free for 30 days.

To qualify for the policy, travelers must hold a valid ordinary passport and have a connecting ticket with a confirmed departure date and itinerary for travel to a third country or region.

Travelers may enter through 65 designated ports nationwide, including major transportation hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai, and are allowed to stay and travel within specified administrative areas for up to 240 hours.

During their stay, travelers may engage in short-term activities such as tourism, business, visiting friends and relatives.

According to the NIA, the policy aims to promote high-level opening-up, strengthen cooperation and trust with neighboring countries, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, trade, tourism and investment.

In addition to the transit policy, China has previously announced unilateral visa exemptions for several destinations. Since April, Vietnamese travelers have been able to fly directly to Guilin without applying for a visa, while Xishuangbanna has also offered visa-free entry to Vietnamese tour groups.

Data released by the NIA on July 13 showed that Viet Nam was China's fourth largest tourist source market in the first half of the year, surpassing traditional markets such as the U.S., Japan and Australia./.