Visa-Free Transit: China's Strategic Move to Boost Global Appeal

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chinese government has officially added Indonesia to the countries eligible for a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit. This move is part of Beijing's strategy to open up to the world.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian explained that this policy aims to deepen cooperation and expand the space for exchange between countries. "We will open wider, broaden our vision of innovation, and deepen cooperation to share more opportunities and benefits with the rest of the world," Lin said at a press conference in Beijing as quoted from Antara, Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Indonesia's Ambassador to China, Djauhari Oratmangun, said this policy stems from the bilateral discussions between President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Li Qiang. During their meeting in Jakarta, the visa-free transit plan was discussed as a form of commitment to strengthen people-to-people exchange between the two countries, especially in the tourism sector.

Visa-Free Visits to 24 Regions for 55 Countries

This visa-free transit allows Indonesian nationals to enter through 60 airports or ports in 24 provincial regions in China without applying for a visa as long as they continue their journey to a third country after the transit period.

During this period, Indonesian nationals can travel, conduct business, visit relatives, and participate in cultural exchanges. However, working, formal studies, and journalistic coverage require a special visa.

As reported by Antara, Indonesia becomes the 55th country included in China's visa-free transit policy. The covered regions include 24 provinces and provincial-level regions in China, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou.

Previously, 54 countries had already enjoyed this facility. These countries include 40 European countries such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, and Norway.

Additionally, 6 countries in the Americas, namely the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. There are also 2 Oceania countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. As well as 7 Asian countries, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Global Promotion Strategy

According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China, this move is part of a comprehensive strategy to expand regional exchanges and cooperation, particularly with ASEAN countries.

"This policy aligns with China's efforts to promote inclusive globalization and shared development. Ultimately, these efforts will benefit regional and global peace and prosperity," said Veronika Saraswati, Director of the Indonesia-China Partnership Studies Institute.

Veronika also believes that this initiative opens up space for peace and prosperity, not only for the Asian region but also for a more cooperative global order. With the opening of this visa-free transit, Indonesia not only gains easier access but also the opportunity to play a larger role in the dynamics of regional mobility and economy.

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