China, the world's second-largest economy, is working to recover from the effects of its three years of pandemic isolation. In a bid to attract more international visitors and boost its economy, China recently announced an expansion of its visa-free transit policy. The new policy, which is effective immediately, allows travelers from 54 countries, including the US, Canada, and several European and Asian nations, to stay in parts of China for up to 10 days.

Previously, the visa-free stay was limited to 72 to 144 hours, depending on the region. Under the new rules, eligible travelers must have confirmed tickets to leave China within 10 days, and they can enter the country at 60 locations across 24 provinces, including Beijing and Shanghai. The policy also permits transit visitors to travel across different regions during their stay, although there are some restrictions.

This move is part of China's broader efforts to ease its visa policies and attract more international tourists, businesspeople, and promote cultural exchanges. Recently, China also waived visa requirements for passport holders from 38 countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days. These efforts aim to revitalize the tourism industry and enhance international relations.

Furthermore, the US State Department has lowered its travel advisory for China from Level 3 to Level 2, following the release of three Americans who had been detained in China for years. This change reflects improved conditions and aligns China's travel advisory with that of other major countries like France and Germany. However, it's important to note that despite these efforts, the US is not included in the list of countries eligible for visa exemptions beyond 10 days.

In addition to changes in its visa policies, China is also working to improve travel infrastructure and streamline operations to make the country more accessible and attractive to international travelers.