China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Exciting news for international travelers! China has significantly expanded and optimized its Transit Visa Exemption (TWOV) policy, extending the permissible stay from the previous 72 or 144 hours to a generous 240 hours (10 days) for eligible nationals from 54 countries.

China’s major cities like Shanghai are now more accessible with the extended 240-hour visa-free transit

This major enhancement, effective immediately as of the latest announcement from China’s National Immigration Administration, also includes an increase in the number of eligible entry/exit ports to 60 across 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and broader permitted areas of activity.

This guide will detail everything you need to know about the new 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy applies to citizens of the following 54 countries:

54 countries now qualify for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy

To be eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Nationality Requirement

You must be a citizen of one of the 54 countries listed above.

Passport Requirement

• Hold a valid international travel document (passport) with at least 3 months of validity from the date of entry.
• Meet the entry requirements for the third country (or region) you are transiting to.

Itinerary Requirement

• Hold a connecting ticket (e.g., an onward air ticket) or relevant proof with a confirmed date and seat to a third country or region within 240 hours (10 days) of arrival in China.

Proper documentation is essential for visa-free transit approval

Entry Procedures

• Fill out an “Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners.”
• Undergo inspection and questioning by China’s immigration inspection authorities at the port of entry.

Eligible foreigners can apply for the 240-hour visa-free transit at immigration inspection authorities at 60 designated ports across 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities). The 240-hour (10-day) stay period begins from 00:00 on the day following entry.

One of the most significant enhancements is the ability for transiting foreigners to travel across provinces within the permitted areas of stay of these 24 provinces/regions.

Designated ports now include 60 airports and seaports across China

China’s efficient high-speed rail network makes cross-provincial travel easy during your 10-day stay

• Onward Ticket is Key: You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. Failure to provide this may result in denied entry under the transit policy.
• Immigration Inspection: Be prepared for questioning by immigration officials. They may ask for supporting documents such as hotel reservations or your travel itinerary within China.
• No Overstaying: Overstaying the 240-hour limit will result in penalties, including fines and potential future entry restrictions.
• Policy Changes: While this is a major and positive update, policies can always be adjusted. It’s highly recommended to check the latest announcements from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) or the relevant Chinese Embassy/Consulate before your trip.
• Accommodation Registration: Upon arrival, if you are not staying in a hotel (which typically handles this for you), you must register your temporary residence with the local police station within 24 hours.

Ensure your passport gets the correct entry stamp indicating visa-free transit

❓ Can I transit through Hong Kong or Macau and still be eligible?

✅ Yes, this is perfectly fine! For the purpose of this transit policy, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR (and Taiwan) are considered “third countries/regions” distinct from Mainland China. So, an itinerary like London → Beijing (transit stay) → Hong Kong (final destination or further transit) is eligible.

❓ After my 240-hour visa-free transit ends, can I immediately re-enter Mainland China from Hong Kong for another 240-hour visa-free transit?

✅ Generally, yes, this should be possible, provided you meet all criteria for each transit. Each entry under the transit policy is treated as a new application. So, if you depart Mainland China to Hong Kong (a third region), and then have a valid ticket from Hong Kong transiting through Mainland China to a different third country (like Canada), you can apply for the 240-hour visa-free transit again upon arrival in Shanghai from Hong Kong. The key is that for each transit entry into Mainland China, you must be en route to a different subsequent international destination.

With a generous 240 hours (10 days) and the ability to travel across 24 provinces/regions, your transit stop in China can transform into an exciting mini-adventure! Here are four curated itinerary themes to inspire you, utilizing the new policy’s flexibility.

Theme 1: Imperial Grandeur & Ancient Wonders (North China Focus)

Possible Entry Ports: Beijing (PEK/PKX), Tianjin (TSN), Shijiazhuang (SJW)

Possible Exit Ports: Xi’an (XIY), Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA)

Key Highlights: Imperial palaces, Great Wall, Terracotta Army

Days 1-4: Beijing

• Explore the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
• Hike a section of the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling)
• Wander through the Summer Palace and old Hutongs

Days 5-7: Xi’an (Shaanxi Province)

• Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors
• Cycle atop the ancient City Wall
• Explore the Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque

Days 8-9: Options based on interest

Option A (History & Culture):
Fly to Luoyang or Zhengzhou for Longmen Grottoes or Shaolin Temple

Option B (Mountain Scenery):
Fly to Taiyuan/Datong for Yungang Grottoes or Mount Wutai

Day 10: Depart China

Theme 2: Modern Marvels & Water Town Charm (East China Focus)

Possible Entry/Exit Ports: Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG)

Key Highlights: Futuristic cities, classical gardens, water towns

Days 1-3: Shanghai

• Walk The Bund, explore Pudong’s skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower)
• Visit Yu Garden, Jing’an Temple, and French Concession
• Enjoy diverse culinary experiences

Days 4-5: Suzhou (Jiangsu Province)

• Explore classical Chinese gardens (Humble Administrator’s Garden)
• Take a canal boat ride

Days 6-7: Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province)

• Cycle around West Lake, visit Leifeng Pagoda
• Explore Lingyin Temple and tea plantations

Days 8-9: Options based on interest

Option A (Historical Capital):
Travel to Nanjing to visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Option B (Nature):
Visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for stunning scenery

Day 10: Depart China

Theme 3: Southern Flavors & Scenic Landscapes (South & Southwest Focus)

Possible Entry/Exit Ports: Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU), Guilin (KWL)

Key Highlights: Pandas, karst mountains, tropical beaches

Days 1-3: Chengdu (Sichuan Province)

• Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Explore Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alleys
• Indulge in Sichuan hotpot

Days 4-6: Guilin & Yangshuo (Guangxi)

• Take a Li River cruise
• Cycle through karst landscapes
• Watch “Impression Liu Sanjie” show

Days 7-9: Options based on interest

Option A (Tropical Escape):
Fly to Hainan for beaches and resorts

Option B (Unique Landscapes):
Explore Guizhou’s waterfalls and villages

Day 10: Depart China

Theme 4: “Pick & Mix” – Cross-Provincial Freedom

With the expanded policy allowing travel across 24 provinces/regions, create your unique itinerary:

Sample Combination:

• Days 1-3: Beijing (North)
• Days 4-6: Shanghai (East)
• Days 7-9: Chengdu (Southwest)
• Day 10: Depart from Chengdu

Planning Tips:

• Use high-speed trains between major cities
• Book domestic flights in advance
• Stay within permitted regions

“This new flexibility allows travelers to experience China’s incredible diversity – from imperial capitals to modern megacities, from pandas to tropical beaches – all within one 10-day transit period!”

China’s new 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy is a fantastic development for eligible international travelers. It provides a significantly longer window to explore major cities and regions, experience diverse cultures, and even undertake multi-city itineraries within the permitted zones without the need for a standard tourist visa.

With proper planning, China’s 240-hour visa-free transit offers unforgettable experiences

If you require a longer stay or your purpose of visit is other than transit (e.g., work, study), you will still need to apply for the appropriate Chinese visa.