Indonesia joins China’s 55-nation visa-free transit club

Starting June 12, 2025, Indonesian nationals will be able to enter China under the country’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced.  With this update, the total number of countries eligible for the policy rises to 55.

Citizens from these 55 countries — including Indonesia, Russia, and the United Kingdom — can now transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days), provided they possess valid international travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed seats and dates to a third country or region, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media.

Entry is permitted through any of China’s 60 designated ports in 24 provinces, including major hubs like Beijing and Shanghai.

During their visa-free stay, travellers can engage in tourism, business activities, exchange visits, or family visits. However, the NIA emphasised that work, study, or journalistic activities still require prior approval and appropriate visas.

The policy is part of China’s broader strategy to encourage international travel and deepen cross-border exchanges. The inclusion of Indonesia in the transit scheme is a key step in implementing goals set during the recent central conference on China’s relations with neighbouring countries.

According to the NIA, this move underscores China’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation with ASEAN member states. It is expected to bolster bilateral relations with Indonesia by facilitating trade, investment, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.

In a statement issued on June 12, the NIA also said it will continue refining immigration policies to improve the entry and exit process for foreign nationals, with the aim of making China a more accessible destination for study, work, and residence.

By Tamilla Hasanova