China's National Immigration Administration announced that nationals of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam became eligible for two existing visa-free routes on August 20, 2026. The change applies to ordinary passport holders and is intended to make short-term travel to China more convenient.
For the 240-hour transit route, travelers need confirmed interline tickets and a destination in a third country or region. Eligible travelers may enter through any of the 65 open ports covered by the policy and must remain within the designated areas during the permitted stay.
For the Hainan route, eligible ordinary passport holders may enter through Hainan's open ports and stay within Hainan Province for up to 30 days. Tourism, business, visits and family visits are listed as permitted short-term activities. Work, study and news reporting still require the appropriate visa in advance.