Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China's busiest air immigration checkpoint for 22 consecutive years, is gearing up for an influx of international travelers as the country expands its 240-hour visa-free transit program to 55 countries. Indonesia recently joined the initiative, marking a strategic push to boost tourism and business connectivity.
The policy allows eligible travelers to stay in designated Chinese cities for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to third countries. Immigration authorities at Pudong Airport have implemented advanced biometric systems and multilingual support to streamline entry processes, reflecting China's commitment to fostering global exchanges.
Analysts suggest this move could accelerate recovery in Asia's travel sector while creating new opportunities for cross-border commerce. "Easier transit rules position China as a hub for regional tourism and short-term business engagements," said a Shanghai-based trade expert.
The expansion comes as China reports a 189% year-on-year increase in international flight bookings for Q3 2024, with Southeast Asian routes showing particular strength. Cultural institutions in visa-free cities like Beijing and Guangzhou are preparing multilingual guides to enhance visitor experiences.
