📋 Entry & Visa
China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Explained
Can you visit China for up to 10 days without a visa?
🎯 Quick Answer
Yes — in many cases. China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy lets eligible travelers stay in permitted regions for up to 10 days while traveling onward to a third country or region. You need a passport from one of 55 eligible countries and a confirmed onward ticket.
Yes — in many cases.
China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy lets eligible travelers stay in permitted regions of China for up to 10 days while traveling onward to a third country or region. For many visitors, this is one of the easiest ways to see China without applying for a traditional visa.
✅ To Qualify, You Must Meet ALL These Requirements
Valid ordinary passport
From one of the 55 eligible countries; passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your arrival date
Qualifying itinerary
Country A → Mainland China → a different Country/Region (you can't fly back directly to your origin country)
Confirmed onward ticket
Fixed departure date and seat, departing within 240 hours
Approved entry/exit ports
Enter and exit through officially approved transit ports within the allowed time limit
Important: This is strictly a transit policy, not a general tourist visa-free entry.
🔄 Eligible vs. Ineligible Routes
✅ Eligible (Valid Transit)
- United Kingdom → Shanghai → Japan
- United States → Beijing → South Korea
- Australia → Guangzhou → Thailand
❌ Not Eligible (Round Trip)
- United Kingdom → Shanghai → United Kingdom
- United States → Beijing → United States
- Japan → Shanghai → Japan
🏛️ Does Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan Count as a Third Region?
Yes. Under official immigration rules, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are treated as separate third destinations for transit qualification.
Example: United Kingdom → Shanghai → Hong Kong = valid transit itinerary.
⏱️ How Long Can You Stay?
Maximum stay: 240 hours (10 days).
When does the clock start? The countdown begins at 00:00 midnight on the calendar day after your entry (China local time, GMT+8) — not when your plane actually lands.
Pro tip: If you arrive late in the evening, you'll get some extra practical buffer time beyond the full 10 calendar days.
🌍 Which Countries Are Eligible?
Total: 55 countries.
Europe (40 countries)
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
North America (3 countries)
Canada, Mexico, United States
South America (3 countries)
Argentina, Brazil, Chile
Oceania (2 countries)
Australia, New Zealand
Asia (7 countries)
Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates
Note: The official country list is updated occasionally. Always verify the latest information via official government sources before booking flights.
✈️ Where Can You Enter and Exit China?
Total approved entry/exit ports: 65 ports (air, sea & rail) across 24 provincial-level regions nationwide (updated November 2025).
Core Major Cities Covered
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Nanjing — plus Hefei, Nanchang, Guiyang, Haikou, Sanya, Taiyuan, Datong, and more.
Important: Not all airports/seaports in China participate in the scheme. Only designated official ports qualify.
📄 What Documents Do You Need?
Prepare these documents for airline check-in and border immigration inspection:
Original valid passport
At least 3 months remaining validity
Confirmed onward ticket
Fixed departure date & seat required before boarding; open-dated tickets are not accepted
Detailed travel itinerary
Showing your planned activities in China
Hotel/accommodation booking proof
Strongly recommended by border authorities