China Excludes African Nations from Visa-Free Transit List

China has officially announced a list of 55 countries whose citizens are eligible for its 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows entry into China for up to 10 days without a pre-arranged visa while traveling to a third country. This policy, introduced in May 2026, notably excludes all African nations, including Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, which means their citizens must continue to apply for Chinese visas through standard embassy or consulate channels.

The absence of African countries from this list is significant, especially in light of ongoing discussions about visa access and mobility for African travelers globally. The 240-hour transit exemption is considered generous compared to shorter exemptions offered by other countries, making the exclusion of African passport holders a critical issue in international relations and immigration policy.