China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) released a new notice today, unveiling that starting from August 20, 2026, ordinary passport holders from Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam will be covered by two preferential entry policies in China: the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme and Hainan’s 30-day visa-free entry arrangement. This upgrade will greatly facilitate cross-border travel for citizens of the two countries to China. Following this adjustment, a total of 57 countries will qualify for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, while 61 countries will be eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry privilege to Hainan Province.
Citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam with ordinary passports, as well as confirmed connecting tickets and travel itineraries heading for a third country or region, are permitted to enter China without a visa. They can use any of the nation’s 65 open ports of entry — including major hubs in Beijing and Shanghai — and remain in the specified permitted zones for a maximum of 240 hours. In addition, ordinary passport holders from the two nations may enter Hainan through its official open ports and stay within Hainan’s administrative territory for up to 30 days.
Under these two updated visa exemption regulations, qualified visitors are allowed to conduct short-term activities in China, including sightseeing, business negotiations, personal visits and family reunions. It is specified that any activities requiring official pre-approval, such as employment, academic study and news reporting, are not included in the visa-free scope. Travelers engaging in such activities must apply for and obtain relevant visas prior to their arrival in China.
