China Grants Indonesians 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Entry

China has officially added Indonesia to its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program, effective June 12, 2025, expanding the list of eligible countries to 55. Indonesian citizens can now enter China through any of 60 designated ports across 24 provinces without a visa, provided they hold valid travel documents and onward tickets to a third country or region with confirmed dates and seats. This policy allows Indonesian travelers to stay in designated areas for up to 10 days for tourism, business, family visits, and exchange-related purposes, but excludes employment, study, or journalistic activities, which still require a proper visa.

This move is part of China’s broader strategy to deepen ties and cooperation with ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia, its largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade between China and Indonesia reached $147.8 billion in 2024, up 6.1% year-on-year, and major joint projects like the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway highlight their growing economic partnership. The new visa-free policy is expected to boost people-to-people exchanges, tourism, business travel, and cultural understanding between the two nations.

Indonesian officials and academics have welcomed the policy, noting that it will make travel more convenient and affordable, particularly for Indonesia’s emerging middle class, students, and businesspeople. The change comes alongside other recent initiatives, such as China’s new five-year, multiple-entry “ASEAN visa” for business travelers and their families, further facilitating cross-border mobility in the region.

Key Points:

• Indonesians can now enter China visa-free for up to 10 days via 60 ports, starting June 12, 2025.
• Policy applies to tourism, business, family, and exchange visits, but not work or study.
• Move aims to strengthen China-Indonesia ties and boost trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
• The policy is expected to benefit Indonesian tourists, students, and business travelers, and promote regional cooperation.