(ECNS) -- Beijing Daxing International Airport has optimized customs clearance procedures to ensure the implementation of China’s visa-free transit policy.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Tuesday announced a significant relaxation of visa-free transit policy to further boost international openness and people-to-people exchanges.
According to the NIA, the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers has been extended from the previous 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days.
Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, Britain, the United States, and Canada, can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region.
These travelers are allowed to enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provinces, regions, and municipalities -- up from 39 ports in 19 provincial-level regions -- and stay within the designated areas for up to 240 hours.
The policy means that foreign travelers entering China via the Beijing Daxing International Airport can stay in China for more than a week in Beijing , Tianjian and Hebei Province.
Li Siyu, an official working at the Border inspection station of the Daxing airport, said special passages for visa-free transit have been set up, enabling foreign travelers to handling both the entry permit and border inspection entry formalities at one time.
In addition, customs clearance guidance, policy consultation, tourism introduction and other service measures have been taken by the airport to ensure fast, comfortable and safe customs clearance, Li added.