Starting August 20, China included citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam in the 240-hour, i.e., up to 10 days, visa-free transit program.

Under the new procedure, citizens of these countries can stay in China visa-free for up to 10 days while traveling to a third country or region. Additionally, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam have been granted the opportunity to travel visa-free to Hainan Island for up to 30 days.

To use the visa-free transit, travelers must have a valid ordinary passport and a pre-confirmed air ticket to a country or region outside of China.

During the visa-free stay period, foreign citizens are permitted to be in China for tourism, business, and visiting relatives and friends. At the same time, the requirement to obtain an appropriate visa for working, studying, or engaging in journalistic activities remains in place.

This decision by China can create additional opportunities for developing tourism and business relations between Central Asia and Southeast Asia. The inclusion of Kyrgyzstan in the program demonstrates the expansion of transit opportunities through China for citizens of Central Asian countries.