Business travellers with approved APEC Business Travel Cards will be able to spend more time in China as the country extends its maximum permitted stay from 60 to 90 days.
China has announced an extension of the maximum period of stay for eligible holders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card, increasing the permitted duration from 60 days to 90 days from November 1, 2026.
The announcement was made by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 30 as part of efforts to facilitate business mobility and strengthen economic connections across the Asia-Pacific region.
What Has Changed?
Previously, eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders could stay in China for a maximum of 60 days per visit.
Under the new arrangement, the permitted stay increases to 90 days, giving qualifying business travellers an additional 30 days in the country.
The extension is intended to make business trips more convenient, particularly for professionals who need additional time for meetings, commercial engagements and business-related activities.
Who Can Benefit From the New Rule?
The extension applies specifically to travellers holding an eligible APEC Business Travel Card.
The card is designed for qualifying business travellers from participating APEC economies. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary pre-clearance from the economies they intend to visit.
It is not an ordinary tourist visa, and the 90-day arrangement does not automatically apply to every foreign passport holder travelling to China.
The APEC Business Travel Card scheme also provides eligible holders with facilitated immigration processing at participating destinations.
What Does This Mean for Nigerian Business Travellers?
Nigerian entrepreneurs and business professionals should understand that the extension is not a general visa-free travel arrangement for Nigerian passport holders.
Nigeria is not one of the participating APEC economies issuing APEC Business Travel Cards under the scheme. Therefore, holding a Nigerian passport alone does not make someone eligible for the extended 90-day stay.
Nigerians planning business trips to China should continue to check the applicable Chinese visa requirements and apply for the appropriate visa based on their travel purpose.
The development is still worth watching because it reflects China’s broader efforts to facilitate international business mobility and commercial engagement.
Other Economies Also Announced the Extension
China’s announcement followed a joint declaration by five participating economies: mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore.
These economies agreed to extend the maximum stay for eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders from 60 to 90 days, although each economy determines its own implementation date.
Planning a Business Trip to China?
Understanding the correct visa category and entry requirements is essential before making international travel arrangements.
Whether you are travelling for business meetings, trade exhibitions or other professional engagements, ensure that your travel documentation matches your intended purpose.
RoutePal provides visa application assistance and travel guidance to help travellers prepare for international journeys.
Planning a business trip to China? Contact RoutePal for guidance on your visa application and travel documentation.
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