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 55 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
- Shanghai 15-Day Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Tour Groups: Complete Guide
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 55 countries are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Key countries include:
Region | Countries |
|---|---|
Asia-Pacific | Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, 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, Mexico |
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).
How and Where to Apply
- Check Eligibility Ensure your nationality is on the list of eligible countries and your travel plan qualifies: you must be in transit to a third country (e.g., U.S. → China → Japan).
- Use an Approved Entry Point The 240-hour policy is currently available in select cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Guangdong region via certain international airports or cruise ports.
- Prepare Documents Have these ready when boarding and upon arrival:
- Valid passport (with 6+ months validity)
- Confirmed onward flight/train ticket to a third country (within 240 hours)
- Completed arrival/departure card
- Inform Your Airline Let your airline know you plan to use the 240-hour visa-free transit. They will notify Chinese immigration on your behalf.
- Apply on Arrival On arrival at a participating airport, proceed to the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) desk. Immigration will review your documents and issue a temporary stay permit stamped in your passport.
- Stay Within the Designated Region You must remain within the permitted area (e.g., the Pearl River Delta for Guangdong) and depart China within 240 hours.
Tip: Always double-check the latest policy with the Chinese embassy or your airline before departure, as rules may change.
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: If I fly to China from Country A (with a stopover or transit in Country B), is my departure country considered Country A or Country B?
A: The simplest way is to ask your airline to confirm how the route will be listed on your ticket. China’s entry border control determines your departure country/region based on the last country/region you flew from to China. Generally speaking, if a passenger departs from one country and the flight stops in another country or region without going through immigration, the stopover location is not considered the departure or destination point. This also applies when determining your destination country after leaving China. But we suggest you to confirm this with your airline.
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 by road or train?
A: No, you can’t apply for TWOV when entering mainland China from Hong Kong by road or train, cause there’s no eligible port available. Travel by flight or cruise.
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, do all segments of my flights have to be booked with the same airline?
A: No, they don’t have to.
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. Other communication channels on the website are for business purposes only, therefore, any inquiries regarding the 240-hour TWOV through them will be IGNORED. Before you leave a comment, please take a look at the comment section as well; perhaps you can find the answer there. MAKE SURE TO READ BEFORE ASKING. We offer the consultation for free, so please show some respect and at least learn to say thank you.
Check Back Before You Go
Visa policies can change quickly, so we’ll keep this article updated with the latest info and add more common questions to the FAQ section. Before your trip, check back here for updates. Save this page’s URL or bookmark us for easy access. If this article helped you, please share it with others or link to it to help those in need.
Hello,
I am a British passport holder traveling from Singapore to Beijing, staying for 3 days and then leaving to London. I have booked all flights with the same airline Air China however these are booked as multicity. Will this be classed as a transit or not because the flights are technically separate or does it not matter since I have proof that I’m leaving the country on another flight?
Even though your flights are booked as multicity (separate tickets), it can still qualify as transit as long as it meets the requirements.
Hello,
I am a British passport holder and I am flying from Kuala Lumpur to Xi’an. I have two different airlines bringing me in and out of the country is that a problem? Entry is with Air Asia and exiting with Tianjin Airlines. Will this not count as a transit? Also the airline won’t give me allocated seat departing China until I check in at the airport when leaving for London which I know is a visa requirement. Will I likely be rejected from entering China.
Different Airlines: OK. You can enter with one airline and exit with another.
Transit Status: Yes. You’ll be considered a transit passenger.
Seat Allocation: Potential Issue: Some airlines don’t assign seats until check-in, which might concern immigration officials.
Recommendations:
Important: While no pre-assigned seat might be a minor worry, it shouldn’t be a big problem if you have everything else in order.
Enjoy Xi’an!
I am planning to fly from Amsterdam NL to Shanghai. Then depart Shanghai to London uk . Will this be possible to enter chains with the transit visa as my departing both destinations are in Europe . ?
We just called the National Immigration Administration 12367 service platform. Your itinerary meets the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, so you can travel with confidence.
Hello, we are citizens of Czech Republic departing to China from Czech Republic. Does our itinerary meet the requirements for the 240 hour visa-free entry to China?
Outbound travel. First airline ticket: PRG Prague to PEK Beijing, 3 hours layover then PEK Beijing to CAN Gzangzhou, 6 hours layover and same day second airline ticket departure to Indonesia. Whole transit time will be around 12 hours.
Return travel: First airline ticket: Indonesia to CAN Gzangzhou, 7 hours layover, second airline ticket: CAN Gzangzhou to PEK Beijing, 3 hours layover and finally PEK Beijing to PRG PRague. Whole transit time will be around 14 hours.
Since the flight is not connected and entry exit ports are different, I don’t know if we are eligible to 240hours visa free transit (or any other free transit).
Your itinerary likely qualifies for both the 24-hour and the 240-hour visa-free transit policies in China.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months and that you have confirmed onward tickets.
We are US citizens departing to China from USA.
Does my itinerary meet the requirements for the 240 hour visa-free entry to China?
May 8 Arrive Shanghai from USA, then transfer to a non-connected same day flight to Vietnam.
Since the flight is not connected, I don’t know if I have to go through immigration then check in again.
Does this count as China entry instead of flight transit?
May 23 Arrive Shanghai from Thailand; 3 nights Shanghai; May 26 Shanghai to USA.
I am concerned about a multi-entry violation even though it is out of the 240 hour period between the two entries to China.
Your itinerary meets the 240-hour visa-free transit requirements:
1. May 8 (USA → Shanghai → Vietnam): Eligible for visa-free transit. Although you need to go through immigration to recheck for your next flight, it still counts as legal transit.
2. May 23–26 (Thailand → Shanghai → USA): Eligible for visa-free transit, with a stay well within the 240-hour limit.
No multi-entry violation as each transit meets the requirements separately.
Thank you so much for your reply. You have answered my questions and given me the confidence to travel to China using the newly allowed 240 hour visa-free entry pass. Thanks again!
One final question, you apply for the 240 hour visa upon arrival in China correct?
I understand which documents are necessary to obtain the visa.
Glad to help, Roger. 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.
under the 240 hour free visa policy, does this route qualify? I am US passport holder:
USA – Hong Kong – Beijing – Macau – Hong Kong -USA?
Your itinerary involves entering mainland China (Beijing) and then traveling to Macau. Since you are departing from Beijing to Macau and returning to Hong Kong, this qualifies as transiting through China to a third territory (Macau is considered separate from mainland China) and back to Hong Kong.
Importantly, the outbound flight from Hong Kong back to the USA meets the requirement of departing to a third country after visiting mainland China.
Based on your itinerary and the current visa-free transit regulations, you do qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in China. Just ensure that all conditions are met regarding your passport validity and confirmed travel arrangements.
I plan to arrive in Hong Kong, spend a few days there and then wish to visit Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Zhuhai for 7 days and then leave from Guangzhou airport to Singapore. Can I apply for the 240 hour visa free entry from Hong Kong airport? Can I travel to Shenzhen from Hong Kong by high speed rail? Can you make arrangements for a private tour to the greater Bay Area?
Hi Lily,
You can apply for the 240-hour visa-free entry upon arriving at Hong Kong airport, provided you meet the necessary requirements. These include holding a valid passport from one of the 54 eligible countries, having an onward ticket to a third country (like Singapore) within 240 hours, and completing a landing card upon arrival in China.
Regarding travel to Shenzhen, you can indeed take the high-speed rail from Hong Kong. The train service operates between Hong Kong West Kowloon and Shenzhen North, with journey times of approximately 18 minutes. This makes it convenient for your planned itinerary to visit Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai during your stay.
Of course, we are happy to arrange a private tour for you. We will send you an email shortly to discuss further. Alternatively, if the email address you provided here is not valid, you can send us your request via our Contact page.
Under the 240 hours visa free policy, can I travel from New York to Hong Kong (stay 2-3 days), then travel to Hainan (stay 5-6 days), then back to Hong Kong.
Yes, your travel plan is possible under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Please also note, for Hong Kong, You can enter and stay for a few days without a visa.
Alternatively, you may qualify for Hainan’s 30-day visa-free entry, but it requires booking through a registered travel agency like us.
under the 240 hour visa free transit policy, can I travel UK to Beijing , stay for 2 or 3 days then fly to Shanghai for another 2 or 3 days before departing to Japan?
Under the updated 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you can travel from the UK to Beijing, stay for 2-3 days, then travel to Shanghai for another 2-3 days before departing to Japan. This extended policy allows travelers to stay up to 240 hours (10 days) in specified regions and permits cross-provincial travel within the designated areas.
To qualify, ensure the following conditions are met:
Please check the official website of the Chinese embassy in the UK or the National Immigration Administration of China for the latest details and updates before departure.
Thank you for the reply, but I find this contradictory to comments on the website such as :
“Where Can You Travel During the 240 Hours?
Under the policy, you must remain within the specified regions where you entered. For example:
If you enter through Shanghai, you can explore Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces.
If you enter through Beijing, you can travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province.”
And
“Q: Can I leave and re-enter the permitted region?
A: No, you must stay within the specified region during your visa-free transit period.”
My itinerary is Manchester, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Manchester
Sorry for the misunderstanding. Compared to the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policy, the key feature of this policy adjustment is the allowance for cross-regional travel. Transit visa-free foreigners can now travel across provinces within the designated areas of 24 provinces, regions, and cities.
We have updated the content of this page accordingly.
I am 17 years old with valid US passport, I plan to travel alone to China. Is there age limit for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in China?
China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy has no age limit, so you can apply as a 17-year-old. Just ensure you meet the requirements:
1. Have a valid passport and onward ticket to a third country (not returning to the U.S.).
2. Stay in an approved city and leave within 240 hours (6 days).
3. Carry proof of accommodation and a notarized parental consent letter, as some officials or airlines may require it.
Check with your airline and the Chinese consulate for any extra details.