African Countries Excluded as China Expands Visa-Free Transit to 55 Nations
China’s visa-free transit policy, which grants a 10-day stay for travelers in transit, now includes 55 countries but excludes all African nations—a move that has sparked disappointment and raised questions about Beijing’s travel diplomacy and its Africa policy.
The absence of African nations, despite China’s strong economic and diplomatic ties across the continent, has surprised analysts and travel industry stakeholders alike.
China’s new transit policy allows travelers from select countries to stay visa-free for up to 240 hours if transiting to a third destination. Visitors must remain in the city or region of entry and have a confirmed onward ticket.
While not a general tourist visa, the policy permits short-term activities like tourism, business, and family visits. Aimed at boosting convenience for businesspeople, tourists, and frequent travelers, it also helps save on visa fees and processing time.
China’s recent visa-free travel policy for over 50 countries has sparked debate over the exclusion of African nations, raising questions about Beijing’s stance toward the continent.
This move appears contradictory given China’s deepening trade ties with Africa, including zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries and import duty exemptions for products from 33 least developed nations.
However, the omission may not signal waning interest. Rather, it could reflect strategic prioritization of diplomatic and economic relationships.
China’s investments in Africa focused on trade, infrastructure, and development, suggest a long-term commitment. Understanding Beijing’s approach requires considering the broader geopolitical and economic context in which its Africa policy operates.
Observers note that this exclusion could be interpreted as a missed opportunity for people-to-people exchange, especially given Beijing’s consistent rhetoric about its “win-win” cooperation with Africa.
With African countries hosting massive Chinese investments and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the lack of reciprocal travel ease underscores a gap in the relationship that some believe needs urgent attention.
The countries included under China’s 10-day visa-free transit policy are: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
These travelers are eligible for entry at any of the approved 60 transit points, which include international airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, as well as a select number of seaports.
Authorities have clarified that travelers must be in direct transit, meaning they must travel from Country A, transit through China, and continue to Country B. A return trip to the country of origin would not qualify under this policy.
