China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit Policy Ultimate Guide

Important news - On December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration of China announced an extension of the transit visa exemption stay for foreign nationals. The stay period has been extended from the original 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). The policy also expands the number of eligible ports of entry, increasing from 39 to 60, and broadens the regions where travelers can stay, from 19 provinces to 24.

If you're planning to visit China as part of a multi-country trip, the newly updated 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows you to stay in China for up to 10 days without needing a visa. Here’s a guide on how to plan your trip to make the most of this exciting opportunity.

What is China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit Policy? - Citizens of 55 countries who hold an ordinary passport with at least 3 months of validity and an onward flight, train, or cruise ticket to a third country (or region) within 240 hours can transit in designated areas of 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China’s Mainland for up to 240 hours without a visa.

1. Check Eligibility - nationals from 55 countries eligible

The 240-hour visa-free stay applies to nationals from 55 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, ‌Indonesia, and more. Confirm that your nationality is on the list of eligible countries.

2. Choose Your Ports of Entry - 60 ports

There are now 60 open ports of entry for the 240-hour visa-free policy across 24 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. You can enter China via any of these ports without a visa, as long as you meet the requirements. Confirm that your entry/exit ports are on the list of eligible ports.

3. Onward Ticket to a Third Country or Region

You must provide proof of a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, with a departure date within 240 hours. All countries and regions outside China’s Mainland are considered third-party countries or regions, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and others. Three eligible itinerary examples:

Los Angeles – Beijing – Shanghai – Hong Kong
Toronto – Tokyo – Shanghai – Bangkok
London – Hong Kong – Guilin – Chengdu - Singapore

4. Plan Your Stay Within the 240-Hour Window

The 240-hour period starts at 00:00 (GMT+8) on the second day after your entry. For example, if you arrive in China at 13:00 on April 20, 2025, your 240-hour period will begin at 00:00 on April 21, 2025. Once you arrive, you can stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days), during which you can engage in tourism, business, visiting family or friends, or other activities.

5. Cross-Provincial Travel Is Allowed

With the new policy, you are allowed to travel across provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities within the permitted stay areas. For example, you could fly into Beijing and then visit cities like Xi’an, Shanghai, or Chengdu, as long as your total stay does not exceed the 240-hour limit. Confirm that your destinations to visit are on the list of eligible provinces & cities.

Popular China itineraries within 10 days

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai (8 days)
Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Shanghai (10 days)
Chengdu / Xian / Beijing (9 days)

6. How to Apply

You can apply for the visa-free transit at the border inspection office at any of the 60 eligible ports of entry. When you arrive, show your valid passport with at least 3 months of validity, and your onward flight ticket to a third destination. The border authorities will process your temporary entry, and your visa-free stay will be activated, starting the day after your entry. Read the detailed steps of application.

Countries Eligible for China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit

Currently citizens with valid passports of below countries can apply for China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit:

① European Schengen Visa Agreement Countries:

Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

② Other European Countries:

Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco and Belarus.

③ American Countries:

United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile.

④ Oceania Countries:

Australia and New Zealand.

⑤ Asian Countries:

South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit Available Provinces, Cities and Ports

Nationals from 55 eligible countries can enter and exit China from any port of below 60 airports, cruise ports and railway stations, and visit majority of destinations and attractions in below 24 provices and cities withou a tourist visa.

Province & City Available Port Permitted Visa-free Stay Area
Beijing Beijing Capital International Airport /
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
Tianjin Tianjin Binhai International Airport /
Tianjin Port (Cruise)
Tianjin
Hebei Province Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
Qinghuangdao Port (Cruise)
Hebei Province
Shanghai Shanghai Pudong International Airport /
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport /
Shanghai Port (Cruise)
Shanghai
Jiangsu Province Nanjing Lukou International Airport/
Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport/
Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport/
Lianyungang Port (Cruise)
Jiangsu Province
Zhejiang Province Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport/
Ningbo Lishe International Airport/
Wenzhou Longwan International Airport/
Jinhua Yiwu International Airport/
Wenzhou Port (Cruise)
Zhoushang Port (Cruise)
Zhejiang Province
Guangdong Province Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport/
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport/
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport/
Nansha Port/
Shekou Port
Guangdong Province (Travelers can exit from all open ports of entry in the entire province.)
Sichuan Province Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport/
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
11 cities in Sichuan Province ( Chengdu, Leshan, Deyang, Suining, Meishan, Ya'an, Ziyang, Neijiang, Zigong, Luzhou, Yibin)
Chongqing Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Chongqing City
Yunnan Province Kunming Changshui International Airport/
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport/
Mohan Railway Port
Kunming, Lijiang, Yuxi, Pu'er, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, Wenshan
Guizhou Province Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport Guizhou Province
Hunan Province Changsha Huanghua International Airport/
Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport
Hunan Province
Anhui Province Heifei Xinqiao International Airport/
Huangshan Tunxi International Airport
Anhui Province
Fujian Province Fuzhou Changle International Airport/
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport/
Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport/
Nanping Wuyishan International Airport/
Xiamen Port (Cruise)
Fujian Province
Jiangxi Province Nanchang Changbei International Airport Nanchang, Jingdezhen
Hubei Province Wuhan Tianhe International Airport Hubei Province
Shandong Province Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport/
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport/
Yantai Penglai International Airport/
Weihai Dashuipo International Airport/
Qingdao Port (Cruise)
Shandong Province
Henan Province Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport Henan Province
Shaanxi Province Xian Xianyang International Airport Shaanxi Province
Shanxi Province Taiyuan Wusu International Airport Taiyuan, Datong
Heilongjiang Province Harbin Taiping International Airport Harbin
Liaoning Province Shenyang Taoxian International Airport/
Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport /
Dalian Port (Cruise)
Liaoning Province
Guangxi Province Nanning Wuxu International Airport/
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport/
Beihai Fucheng International Airport
Beihai Port (Cruise)
Nanning, Guilin, Beihai, Qinzhou, Yulin, Hechi, Liuzhou, Wuzhou, Fangchenggang, Guigang, Hezhou, Laibin
Hainan Province Haikou Meilan International Airport/
Sanya Fenghuang International Airport
Hainan Province

How to Apply for the 240-Hour Visa Free Transit

>> Required Documents

● A Valid Passport (or international travel document): it must be issued by one of the 55 countries listed above, valid for at least 3 months and with valid visa to the third country/regions if requires.

● A Connecting Air (or vessel, train) Ticket : it must be valid, going to the onward country/region with detailed date & seat within 240 hours.

Some eligible transit routes examples:

HK - China's Mainland - Macao
HK - China's Mainland - Taipei
US - Tokyo - Shanghai - Seoul
UK - Beijing - Xian - Shanghai - HK - UK
Singapore - Chengdu - Chongqing - Guilin - Hong Kong
Laos - Mohan Railway Port - Kunming - Lijiang - Thailand
...

● A completed Arrival Card : you can get the card in the airport after landing, and then submit at the immigration counter.

>> Application Procedures

Step 1: When boarding on (a airplane, ship, train), you should notify the carrier that you would apply for the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit. They will declare your request to the immigration office prior to your visit.

Step 2: Upon arrival, follow the signs, go to customs area, fill in the Arrival Card, and submit application of transit visa exemption at the specialized counter/channel. It’s easy to locate the related immigration department in the airport.

Step 3: If you have a valid Chinese Visa, and don’t want to use it this time, you should tell the immigration officer you will enter and transit by applying the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit this entry.

Step 4: If approved, your valid passport will be pasted a short-term stay permit (a paster) by the officer. There has clear regulation of the issuing date and allowed duration of stay.

Step 5: After leaving airport, you must  register yourself within 24 hours upon arrival at the local police station or Public Security Bureau (PSB). If you will stay in hotel, the hotel staff will do the registration for you. (Your application will be refused if you had violation of accommodation registration and caused serious cases in China within 2 year.)

Step 6: You’re required to apply for a Chinese Visa from the local PSB, if you intend to travel other cities or stay longer than 240 hours. Otherwise, your illegal stay will face fines and other serious consequences.

How to Plan Your China Trip for 240-Hour Visa Free Stay

With 10 days of visa-free stay, convenient flights, high-speed trains, and an extensive highway network, you can explore many travel destinations in China and experience its rich history and culture. If it's your first time visiting China, it's recommended to start with the classic route of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. You can also freely combine your itinerary to visit the hometown of giant pandas, Chengdu, the Avatar-like landscapes of Zhangjiajie, the stunning karst scenery in Guilin, or the breathtaking beauty of Huangshan. Additionally, you can indulge in a luxurious and comfortable Yangtze River cruise.

Most Recommended China Tours for 240-Hour Visa Free:

If you prefer, you can also choose our customized travel services. As a leading China travel agency, we have managed to help more than ten thousands of guests travel in China successfully with our tailor-made China tours since our establishment in 2011.

Popular China City Tours or Customize on Your Own

Below are some of the Top China Destinations for you to choose with recommended trip durations. You can also use our Customize China Tour Tool to design your own Visa-free China Trip.

Beijing Forbidden City

Beijing

Trip duration: (about 3~4 days)

No. 1 destinations in China with 8 world heritage sites.

The Bund in Shanghai

Shanghai

Trip duration: (about 2~3 days)

Blend of tradition and fashion. Gateway to Hangzhou, Suzhou...

Xian Terracotta Warriors

Xian

Trip duration: (about 2~3 days)

China's historical essence, home to Terracotta Warrriors...

Guilin Elephant Trunk Hill

Guilin

Trip duration: (about 3~4 days)

China's most beautiful mountain and river landscape

Zhangjiajie

Trip duration: (about 4~5 days)

Masterpieace of China's natural landscape, unique Avatar exploration.

Chengdu Panda

Chengdu

Trip duration: (about 2~3 days)

hometown of Giant Pandas, leisure life style...

West Lake

Hangzhou

Trip duration: (about 2~3 days)

Enjoy the best scenery and culture of the "heaven on earth"

Lingering Garden

Suzhou

Trip duration: (about 2~3 days)

A wonderful destination to see the elegant ancient gardens, water towns, etc.

Ciqikou in Chongqing

Chongqing

Trip duration: (about 2~3 days)

A city that blends modern development with rich cultural and natural heritage

Guangzhou Pearl River

Guangzhou

Trip duration: (about 2~3 days)

Great urban culture, diverse experiences...

Harbin Ice and Snow World

Harbin

Trip duration: (about 3~4 days)

famous for the joy of winter ice and snow, exotic charm with Chinese culture

Stone Forest in Kunming

Kunming

Trip duration: (about 3~4 days)

Mild climate, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural scenery

Other China Visa Free Policies

30 Days Visa Free - Countries Mutual Exemption of Visa with China

Citizens of below countries holding a valid ordinary passport are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, or transit in the territory of the other contracting party, with a single stay not exceeding 30 days (or 60 days, 90 days varying by countries) and a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.

Eligible countries include Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia, Uzbekistan; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Samoa; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.

30 Days China Visa Free - Eligible Countries

China has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for 36 eligible countries, including several European nations — Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, South Korea and Japan are included. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in Latin America are also eligible.

Ordinary passport holders of the above-mentioned countries can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 30 days. Read more »

Recommended Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore China in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

CD-BXS-08 8 Days Best of China Tour

8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

The Forbidden City Overall View from Jingshan Park

7 Days Shanghai Beijing Contrast Tour by High Speed Train

Shanghai / Tongli / Suzhou / Beijing

Sylvie Macle from France visited Mufu Palace in 2018

10 Days Classic Sichuan & Yunnan Highlights Tour

Chengdu / Leshan / Mount Emei / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip

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Questions & Discussions

Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.

240 hours Visas
I am hoping to travel to Shanghai from Singapore. I have a British passport. I will be leaving Shanghai then to the UK transiting via Dubai. Will I qualify for the visas? If not what can I do and how quickly, as I have booked the flight to Shanghai and back to the uk from there? Thanks
2025-07-31 17:24
Yes, your itinerary is qualified for 240-hour visa free transit in China's Mainland.
240 hours visa free for the third country destination
hi. i wanna ask. if my destination is from Indonesia-transit in Singapore-Shanghai-Singapore-Indonesia. Will it be okay to get the 240 hours visa?
2025-07-24 04:19
Hi, destinations before and after Shanghai must be different countries or regions. You are considered as coming to Shanghai from Singapore, not Indonesia. You can go to Hong Kong after Shanghai.
TRAIN options - Macau to Guangzhou then to Zhangjiajie then to HK
United States passport holders - after spending some time in Macau, can we do this:
1 - Take TRAIN from Macau to Guangzhou
2 - Fly from Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie
3 - Take TRAIN from Zhangjiajie to Hong Kong

It seems that this plan works by air but I'm not sure about taking trains...
2025-07-16 23:08
Hi, your itinerary Macau-Guangzhou-Zhangjiajie-Hong Kong is eligble for 240 hour visa free transit policy. But for Macau-Guangzhou, you can only use ferry or flight. And there may be no direct ferry between Macau and Guangzhou. You can use Shenzhen instead - ferry from Macau to Shekou in Shenzhen, then travel to Zhangjiajie or Guanghzou.
Is this itinerary valid for UK passport holder for 240 TWOV?
Flights MAN>PEK (72 hours in Beijing and great wall)
PEK>PVG (72 hours in Shanghai tour)
PVG>SGN, Vietnam

Thank you, your assistance is much appreciated
2025-07-15 13:33
Yes your itinerary is valid.
London - Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Hong Kong
Do i need a visa for the below trip? I will be entering China via Hong Kong train station border OR via Shenzhen bay port

Itinery below;

Flight from London to Hong Kong
straight from the airport, taking a train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen OR taxi to Shenzhen bay port
Staying in Shenzhen for 1 week
Train from Shenzhen to Hong Kong
2025-07-15 09:51
Hi, your itinerary is not valid for 240 hour visa free. Recommended plan: Hong Kong - Macau - then ferry to Shekou in Shenzhen - train to Hong Kong (West Kowloon)
Does it work for 240 free visa? (10 day visa rule)
My plan is to fly from Doha - Beijing - Chongqing - Doha(transit)- Thailand
2025-07-14 11:29
Hi, your plan is not qualified. You cannot have a transit in Doha if you fly to Thailand.
Accommodations while in China
When receiving the 10 day visa exemption, do I need to provide hotel booking information? If I am staying with friends, do I need to provide a letter from the friends I am staying with stating that I will be with them at their residence?
2025-07-10 01:03
Hello James,

Hotel booking and itinerary details are generally not mandatory for the 10-day visa exemption. However, providing them can be helpful and may facilitate a smoother entry process. If you are staying with friends, it’s recommended (though not required) to have a simple invitation letter or proof of accommodation from your host, just in case the authorities ask for more details.
Is this itinerary valid for US Passport holder requesting 240 hour visa
Is this itinerary valid for a US passport on china 144 hour transit visa? ord-nrt-gum-tpe-BKK-PVG-ORD
2025-07-10 00:16
Hello James,

Yes, your itinerary qualifies for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
Wishing you a great trip!