Starting 20 November 2025, China will reorganise how travellers enter the country by introducing a new online arrival card and expanding its visa-free transit routes, marking one of its most significant immigration reforms in recent years.
🛂 What’s Changing
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All incoming international travellers will be able to complete an electronic arrival card via official channels (including the 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini-programs, or the web portal) instead of relying solely on traditional paper forms.
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In tandem, China is expanding its visa-free transit policy:
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The “240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit” scheme will now cover more ports and regions. Travellers from eligible countries can stay for up to 10 days without a pre-arrival visa if they are en route to a third country.
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Additional airports and sea/rail entry hubs—especially in Guangdong, and across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge corridor—have been added, broadening the network of routes where this benefit applies.
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🎯 Why It Matters
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Faster border processing: Digital arrival cards reduce manual data capture, meaning shorter queues and smoother airport operations. Airlines and travel agents stand to benefit from more efficient turn-around times.
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Boost to transit and regional travel: By adding new ports and expanding the visa-free transit window, China is positioning itself as a more accessible hub for international travellers, particularly those doing multi-country trips or business stop-overs.
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Aligning with global travel trends: The move towards digitised entry formalities mirrors practices already seen in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, signalling China’s commitment to modernising its travel infrastructure.
🧠Key Things to Know If You’re Travelling
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The digital arrival card isn’t a visa—if you require a visa for China, you still need to obtain it in advance unless you’re eligible for a transit exemption.
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For transit privileges (240-hour option): You must enter China through a designated port, have an outbound ticket to a third country, and leave within the permitted time. Straying beyond the conditions may trigger immigration penalties.
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Even if you forget to fill the form before travel, terminals at major airports will allow submissions at self-service kiosks or via QR codes during your arrival.
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Make sure your travel document is valid for the required period, your onward ticket is confirmed, and you’re entering via an eligible port under the expanded transit scheme.
âś… Final Thoughts
For travellers from Nigeria and other countries, these updates make China a more accessible destination or transit hub. If your trip to China involves a stop-over or short stay, this could be the right moment to explore the opportunities—just be sure your itinerary, documentation and timing align with the new rules.