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The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China has just issued an important announcement, further easing entry policies to promote international exchange. Starting June 6th, Indonesian citizens will be granted a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit through China. This move brings the total number of countries covered by this policy to 55, including major powers like Russia and the United Kingdom.
Under the new policy, eligible Indonesian tourists can enter China through one of 60 border crossings spread across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government. Conditions for enjoying this preferential treatment include being en route to a third country or territory and presenting valid travel documents along with a confirmed connecting ticket showing the arrival time at the next destination.
Indonesian citizens are allowed to transit through China for 240 hours without a visa, bringing the total number of countries benefiting from this policy to 55.
This decision is seen as the latest expansion in a series of Chinese policies aimed at facilitating international exchanges. Ge Hongliang, Vice Dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi University of Nationalities, told the Global Times that adding Indonesia to the list is part of China's efforts to expand regional cooperation, especially in the context of increasing exchanges between China and ASEAN.
Under this policy, Indonesian tourists are eligible to enter China through one of 60 border crossings in 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government.
In addition to purely tourist activities, transit passengers are permitted to participate in various other activities such as meeting business partners, visiting relatives, or taking short trips. However, the NIA also emphasizes that activities of a work, study, or journalistic nature still require appropriate visas in accordance with current regulations.
According to Global Times, this is the latest expansion in China's policy of facilitating international exchanges, bringing the total number of countries exempt from transit visa requirements to 55.
Earlier, on June 3rd, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced another notable plan: granting "ASEAN visas" to business employees from 11 member countries, along with their spouses and children if eligible. This visa allows multiple entries within a five-year period, with each stay lasting a maximum of 180 days, maximizing opportunities for business and cooperation in the region.
This is an opportunity for the "tourism industry" in China to develop significantly.
The National Immigration Agency (NIA) affirmed its commitment to continuing to adjust immigration policies to best support foreign citizens studying, working, and living in China. These open policies not only encourage the flow of people to China from ASEAN countries but also from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, clearly demonstrating a shift in the country's orientation towards expanding international cooperation.
