The National Immigration Administration announced on December 17, 2024, that Harbin Taiping International Airport will implement a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing stays within the municipal administrative area of Harbin in Heilongjiang Province.
The updated policy extends visa-free transit to 240 hours (10 days) for eligible citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, Britain, the United States, and Canada, transiting to a third country or region. This expansion includes 21 additional ports for visa-free entry and exit, and allows transit travelers to stay in designated areas across 60 ports in 24 provinces, regions, and municipalities.
This policy adjustment integrates Harbin into China's foreign tourism network, offering enhanced travel options for tourism, trade, and the economy. Aligned with the upcoming Asian Winter Games in Harbin, the policy's implementation during the peak ice and snow tourism season will significantly boost the city's international profile. The combined impact of the "Ice and Snow Season + Asian Winter Games + Visa-Free Policy" presents substantial opportunities for promoting Harbin globally, transitioning from local popularity to international appeal, and plays a crucial role in establishing Harbin as a key consumption hub in Northeast Asia.