240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy in China: Everything You Need to Know
All information here has been verified with the China National Immigration Administration and is kept updated; you can fully trust it and look no further.
China has recently extended its visa-free transit policy from 144 hours to 240 hours, providing travelers with up to 10 days of visa-free travel in designated regions. This policy, aimed at encouraging international tourism and business activities, applies to visitors from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the new 240-hour visa-free transit policy, including eligible countries, entry points, permitted areas, and tips for maximizing your time in China.
Read Also:
- 30-Day Visa-Free Policy in China: Everything You Need to Know
- Hainan Visa-free Entry Policy: Everything you need to know
Table of Contents
What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers to transit through China and stay for up to 10 days without a visa, provided they meet specific criteria. This is a significant upgrade from the previous 144-hour visa-free policy, offering visitors more time to explore China’s diverse culture, history, and landscapes.
Who Is Eligible?
Travelers from 54 countries are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Key countries include:
|
Region |
Countries |
|---|---|
|
Asia-Pacific |
Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea |
|
Europe |
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
|
North America |
Canada, United States |
|
South America |
Argentina, Brazil, Chile |
|
Eastern Europe and CIS |
Belarus, Croatia, Russia, Ukraine |
|
Middle East |
Qatar, United Arab Emirates |
|
Other Countries |
Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia |
Requirements to Apply
- Hold a valid passport with at least three months of remaining validity.
- Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
- Transit through one of China’s approved entry points (see below).
Approved Entry Points for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
The new policy clarifies that the visa-free transit policy now applies to 24 provinces (regions and municipalities), expanding from the original 19 provinces: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Shaanxi, to include an additional five provinces: Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou.
Where Can You Travel During the 240 Hours?
The new policy introduces a more relaxed measure, allowing foreign travelers entering China under the visa-free transit policy to travel across provinces within the permitted areas of the 24 provinces (regions and municipalities) mentioned above. This means foreign travelers can move freely within these provinces and choose any open port of entry or exit in China, no longer restricted to a single province or specific region with “same entry and exit,” significantly enhancing convenience and flexibility for foreigners visiting China.
In comparison, under the previous 144-hour visa-free transit policy, foreign travelers entering through Shanghai could only travel within the Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region and were unable to visit other provinces, with a very limited activity area. Under the new policy, foreign travelers entering China through Shanghai can travel to 24 provinces, cities, and regions nationwide within 240 hours for tourism, business, and other activities, and choose the nearest port for exit.
Why Should You Use the 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy?
The new visa-free policy offers travelers numerous benefits:
- Save Time and Money: Skip the hassle and cost of applying for a Chinese visa.
- Discover China’s Highlights: Explore top destinations like the Great Wall, Shanghai’s Bund, or Guangzhou’s Canton Tower.
- Flexible Itineraries: With 10 days, you can plan an immersive trip covering multiple cities.
Tips for Using the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- Plan Your Trip Carefully: Ensure your arrival and departure cities fall under the same permitted area.
- Prepare Documentation: Have printed copies of your passport, onward ticket, and hotel bookings.
- Use Public Transportation: China’s high-speed rail and metro systems are efficient and traveler-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I extend my 240-hour visa-free stay?
A: No, extensions are not permitted. You must leave China before the 240-hour period ends.
Q: What happens if I overstay?
A: Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or being banned from re-entering China.
In addition, the National Immigration Administration stated that travelers entering China under the visa-free transit policy who need to stay beyond the permitted duration or travel outside the designated areas due to urgent and reasonable reasons or force majeure must apply for a stay permit in advance at the local public security bureau’s entry-exit administration department.
Q: Can I enter China from Guangzhou and exit from Shanghai, or can I enter from Shanghai and exit from Guangzhou?
A: Both options are possible. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers to travel between provinces.
Q: I just apply for the 240 hour visa upon arrival in China?
A: Yes, you apply for the 240-hour visa-free entry upon arrival in China at the airport. You don’t need to apply for it in advance; it’s granted at the immigration counter when you arrive.
At the immigration counter, simply inform the officer that you’re applying for 240-hour visa-free transit and provide necessary documents. If everything is in order, you’ll receive the visa-free entry for the specified time period.
Q: Is the 240-hour limit for “240-hour visa-free transit” calculated from the time of entry?
A: No, the 240-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day following the passenger’s entry. For example, if a passenger enters Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 08:00 on January 1, 2025, the visa-free transit period will start from 00:00 on January 2, 2025, and they must exit before 23:59 on January 11, 2025.
Q: If a passenger plans to buy an outbound ticket after entry, can they apply for visa-free transit?
A: According to the policy, to apply for the visa-free transit, passengers must hold a confirmed ticket with a set date and seat to a third country (region) before entering China. Therefore, if the connecting ticket has not been purchased in advance, the passenger cannot take advantage of this policy.
Q: If a passenger has a confirmed return ticket to their departure country within 240 hours, can they apply for this policy?
A: No. According to the policy, the visa-free transit policy is for foreigners who are transiting through China to a third country (region) from China. Therefore, foreigners who are traveling back to their country of departure cannot take advantage of this policy.
Q: I’m a U.S. citizen flying to Guangzhou and have a train or ferry ticket to Hong Kong/Macau within 240 hours. Can I apply for the 240-hour visa-free transit?
A: Yes, you can.
Q: What is considered as “third region”?
A: A “third region” is the next destination after China, different from your origin.
Q: Is the layover country/region counts as a third country/region?
A: Yes, it does.
Q: Is Hong Kong / Macau considered as “third region” under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
A: Yes, both Hong Kong and Macau are classified as “third region” under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, meaning that travelers can plan itineraries that include these locations without needing to obtain a visa for mainland China, as long as they comply with the transit requirements. Therefore, you can take advantage of this by returning to your departure point/country from Hong Kong or Macau. For example: USA – China – USA: doesn’t work; USA – Hong Kong – China – USA: works; USA – China – Macau – USA: works too.
Q: Can I apply for TWOV when entering mainland China from Hong Kong via railway?
A: No, you can’t apply for TWOV when entering mainland China from Hong Kong via railway, cause there’s no eligible port available.
Q: Can I use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy multiple times in a short period? Is there any required time gap between each use?
A: Yes, there is no limit on the number of times you can use the policy, nor is there any required time gap between each use. For example, for a trip from the USA to Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, you can apply for the TWOV twice: once for USA – Shanghai – Hong Kong, and again for Hong Kong – Guangzhou – USA.
Q: If I enter China under the 240-hour TWOV, can I change my outbound flight and time afterwards? Do I need to report it to anyone in advance?
A: Yes, such changes are allowed as long as they occur within 240 hours and do not require prior reporting. You only need to explain the situation and provide relevant proof to the immigration officer on the day of departure to exit smoothly.
Q: Is there an official number I can call to inquire?
A: Yes, you can call the National Immigration Administration service platform at +86 12367 to ask. Multiple languages are supported.
Plan Your Trip to China Today!
With the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, China has become more accessible than ever. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, modern cities, or breathtaking natural scenery, this policy provides an ideal opportunity to explore the country hassle-free.
Start planning your dream trip to China today with Travel China With Me! With nearly 20 years of expertise in China inbound tourism and over 3,000 satisfied clients each year, we craft the perfect itinerary and offer the best competitive quote—ensuring you experience a seamless and unforgettable visa-free adventure in China.
Still Have Questions?
We know that one article can’t cover everything, and your situation may be more complex. If so, please leave a comment below, and we will assist you soon with the latest information we have. But before you leave a comment or send us an email, please take a look at the comment section also; perhaps you can find the answer there. Make sure to read before asking.
Check Back Before You Go
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We are flying from Londonto Beijing to start a ten day tour , and were intending to fly back from Shanghai.
Can we add a flight to Hong Kong , and change the return flight so we fly back from Hong Kong to London , even though this will transit through Beijing ( not leaving airport )
Yes, it will work.
Hi there, we are UK passport holders flying into Beijing on 3rd May for 3 nights, we are then leaving on a cruise ship going to South Korea on 6th May from Tianjin so will we be eligible to apply for the 240 TWOV when we arrive at the airport in Beijing ? The cruise finishes in Tokyo and we will fly home from there. I cannot find anything about cruises online, we will have our cruise paperwork printed out. Thank you.
Hi Lynda, yes, you are eligible.
Hi there,
I’m a British citizen, I plan to fly to Hong Kong on the 24th May, then stay in HK for 3 days. I then play to take a boat from HK to Shekou port in Shenzhen, explore Shenzhen for 3 days before taking a flight to Beijing on the 30th May. I will then explore Beijing for 3 days before flying from Beijing on the 3rd of June to Taipei. Then I will explore Taipei for a few days before flying back to the UK.
Is this trip okay for the visa-free entry? Do I just apply for the 240 hour visa free entry upon entry in Shekou? I’ve booked all the flights already but will buy the boat from HK to Shekou, Shenzhen when I arrive in HK.
Yes, it’s OK.
Yes, you will apply it at Shekou.
Hi,
I am UK passport holder, and based on my research, I believe I meet the criteria for the 240-hour visa free travel entry agreement. However, I am a little worried about the fact that I am not staying in Hong Kong, only transiting for my flights with Cathay Pacific. Can you confirm if you think I meet the requirements?
I am planning to travel to Shanghai to stay for 9 nights on the following itinerary:
Flights to Shanghai with transit in Hong Kong (note: I will not be leaving the airport at Hong Kong)
01/12/25: London, UK -> 02/12/25: Hong Kong
02/12/25: Hong Kong -> Shanghai Pudong 12:30
**I believe the visa would start from 00:00 on 03/12/25**
02/12/25: Accommodation, Shanghai, 9 nights – checkout on 11/12/25
Flights to UK with transit in Hong Kong (note: I will not be leaving the airport at Hong Kong)
11/12/25 08:40: Shanghai -> Hong Kong **total of 224 hours, 40mins from 03/12/25 00:00** (I have paid for a confirmed seat number for this journey)
11/12/25: Hong Kong -> London, UK
Hi Jordan,
Your itinerary is a typical round-trip, not a transit, so it doesn’t qualify for the transit visa exemption policy. Try removing one Hong Kong leg from either your outbound or return flight to comply with this policy.
Is it true that travelers who hold foreign passports and are flying with a Chinese airline may be eligible for this visa exemption, even if they are not from one of the specific listed countries?
Hi, I’m Vietnamese citizen. I’ve booked a rounded ticket from Air China to London. My itinerary:
Hanoi – Beijing – London and London – Beijing – Hanoi
Am I eligible for the 240-hour visa free transit?
Hi Huong, sorry, Vietnam is not included in the list of countries eligible for this visa-free policy.