Travelers apply for up to 144-hour visa-free entry at Beijing Capital International Airport on Thursday. The entry also can be used to visit Tianjin and Hebei province. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

Nationals from 53 countries and regions became eligible for 144-hour visa-free entry in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province starting Thursday in a move linked to the Belt and Road Initiative and the integrated growth strategy of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.

Nationals from 53 countries with eligible travel identification and reserved tickets with a fixed date to a third country or region within 144 hours are eligible for the new visa-free entry period. They include the United States, Australia and the Republic of Korea.

"The new policy extends the visa-free stay for travelers who want to visit the three regions, allowing foreigners sufficient time for a short visit for travel, business meetings or visiting friends and family. It will boost the tourism industry," said Zhu Lei, deputy head of Beijing's port of entry office.

Beijing and Tianjin previously allowed a 72-hour visafree stay. The 72-hour stay has been allowed by Beijing since 2013.