Beijing, June 12, 2025 — The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced today that Indonesia has been added to China’s 240-hour visa-free transit (VFT) policy. Effective immediately, Indonesian passport holders may transit through China without a visa for up to 10 days, joining 54 other eligible countries.
What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
China’s 240-hour VFT program allows transiting foreign nationals to enter designated areas of China without applying for a visa, provided they:
Hold citizenship of an eligible country (now 55 in total, including Indonesia, Russia, and the United Kingdom).
Possess valid travel documents with at least three months’ validity remaining.
Have confirmed interline tickets (date and seat) to a third country or region within 240 hours.
Enter and exit through one of 60 designated international ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, such as Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Complete an Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigner and cooperate with border inspections.
During the 10-day stay, travelers may engage in tourism, business activities, exchange visits, or family visits. Any work, study, or media reporting still requires the appropriate visa and prior approval.
Why Indonesia’s Inclusion Matters
According to the NIA, extending the policy to Indonesia reflects China’s commitment to:
Deepening regional cooperation with ASEAN partners.
Strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties with Indonesia.
Promoting people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding.
Improving immigration services and institutional openness.
This measure aligns with guidelines from China’s Central Conference on Border Work, underscoring the strategic importance of neighboring countries in China’s broader regional diplomacy.
Where and How You Can Transit
Transit travelers from Indonesia can use any of the 60 approved ports, including but not limited to:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)*
*Note: Hong Kong’s policy implementation may vary; please check local procedures.
Once admitted, travelers are free to visit designated provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities listed under the 240-hour VFT scheme. Detailed port and area lists are available on the NIA website.
How to Prepare for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Check Eligibility: Ensure your nationality (Indonesia) is on the approved list.
Valid Documents: Passport valid for at least three more months.
Confirmed Tickets: Book onward travel to a third country within 10 days.
Arrival Card: Complete and present the Arrival Card upon landing.
Follow Local Rules: Abide by designated area restrictions and border inspection requirements.
Looking Ahead
The NIA plans to continuously:
Review and expand eligible countries and ports.
Streamline entry procedures for greater convenience.
Enhance services for international students, business travelers, and expatriates.
Indonesia’s inclusion marks another milestone in China’s immigration openness. The NIA encourages more global travelers to experience China’s rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and dynamic business landscape—now more accessible than ever.
