Mirella Pandjaitan
Jun 13, 2025
Indonesian passport holders can now visit China with greater convenience! Starting Thursday, 12th June 2025, the Chinese government has officially extended its visa-free transit policy, allowing stays of up to 10 days.
Indonesia is among 55 countries granted access to this streamlined travel privilege, applicable across 60 designated ports located in 24 provinces (including autonomous regions and centrally administered municipalities such as Beijing and Shanghai).
Indonesian citizens, therefore, in possession of a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (interline ticket) may enter and stay within designated areas for up to 10 days without the need for a visa.
Travellers are permitted to engage in a range of activities: tourism, business trips, family visits, and cultural exchanges.
According to China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA), this policy expansion represents a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, particularly with ASEAN member states.
“This visa-free extension will further boost the already strong China–Indonesia cooperation and facilitate smoother trade and investment flows between our two countries,” a representative from the NIA stated, as quoted by China Daily.
China is preparing to introduce a special “ASEAN Visa” tailored for business professionals from the 11 ASEAN countries, along with their spouses and children, as well. This visa will allow multiple entries over five years, with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.
This move is seen as part of China's broader efforts to open its doors more widely to the international community, enhance connectivity, and encourage cross-border exchanges. For example, Nanning is a city that has been witnessing a notable increase in visitors and students from ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
However, it's important to note that the visa-free transit policy is limited to tourism, business, family visits, and cultural exchange. Activities such as employment, academic study, or journalism still require specific permits and appropriate visas.