China has introduced a partial visa-free regime for citizens of Kyrgyzstan

On 20 August 2026, China’s National Immigration Administration announced that, with effect from that date, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam would be eligible for a visa-free transit policy for up to 240 hours, as well as a 30-day visa-free regime for travel to Hainan Island. This was reported by the National Immigration Administration of the People’s Republic of China.

As a result, the number of countries whose citizens are eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit in China has risen to 57, whilst the number of countries whose citizens are permitted 30-day visa-free entry to Hainan has risen to 61.

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam holding ordinary passports, with confirmed flight tickets and an itinerary, may enter China visa-free via any of the 65 open border crossing points, including those in Beijing and Shanghai. The duration of stay in authorised transit areas must not exceed 240 hours (10 days).

In addition, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam holding ordinary passports may enter Hainan Province via open border crossing points and stay there for up to 30 days.

Under both visa-free arrangements, short-term visits for tourism, business or personal reasons, including visits to relatives, are permitted.

However, for activities requiring prior authorisation – in particular work, study and journalistic activities – it remains necessary to obtain the relevant visa in advance.