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
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hi there for the 240 hour waiver, I have all my hotels booked in beijing, zhangjiajie, chongqing and chengdu with an out bound flight from Chengdu to Bangkok thailand. Do you know I need to book transport between the cities in advance to show the immigration when applying for the waiver or are the hotel bookings and the outbound flight sufficient?
thank you!
Hi Alex, you are only required to have confirmed onward tickets to a third region after transiting mainland China to qualify for the exemption.
Hi,
I’m looking to travel from the UK>Beijing(4 hour layover)>Guangzhou(3 day stay)>Phuket(10 day stay) then home Bangkok>Helsinki>UK.
Obviously I’d be using the 240 hour transit Visa and I think my flights are fine, but the FAQs say that ‘passengers must hold a confirmed ticket with a set date and seat to a third country’. The airline I would leave China on doesn’t let you choose a seat number until check-in, 24 hours before your flight. Is this going to be a problem?
Thank you very much!
Hi Daniel, just explain the situation to the immigration officer — I believe it won’t be a problem.
Hola !
Pregunta 1
Para viajar con un menor 15 años cumplidos (es mi sobrina y traigo carta notariada desde México)
Se necesita algún tipo adicional de documentos para entrar a China ?
1-que documentos ocupo
Pregunta 2
Cuantas hojas de pasaporte vacías se necesitan para viajar a china ?
Entro con el permiso de 240 horas
Saliendo de paris y regresando por Amsterdam
GRACIAS !!!
Hi Deby,
Question 1: Traveling to China with a 15-year-old minor (your niece)
Since you’re not the minor’s parent or legal guardian, you’ll need several important documents:
• A valid passport for your niece.
• A notarized letter of consent from both of her parents or legal guardians. It should authorize you to travel with her, include your travel dates, destinations, and entry/exit information. Translation into English or Chinese is strongly recommended.
• Copies of her parents’ or guardians’ passports.
• A document proving family relationship, such as her birth certificate.
• Your own passport and identification.
Although you’re using the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, immigration officers may still ask for these documents when you’re traveling with a minor. It’s best to be fully prepared.
⸻
Question 2: Blank passport pages needed
To travel to China under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, your passport must:
• Have at least two blank visa pages.
• Be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into China.
⸻
About your route (Paris → China → Amsterdam):
Yes, this route qualifies for the 240-hour visa-free transit as long as:
• You arrive from one country (France) and depart to a different country (the Netherlands).
• Your entry city in China supports the 240-hour policy.
• Your total stay in China is no more than 240 hours.
Can i travel from USA to guangzhou with a connecting flight through HK? I then plan to stay the 10 days and take a train back to HK before going back to USA.
Confirm with your airline and read the article again.
Many thanks
Sorry. Forgot to ask. Does it matter that i hold a US passport but born in HK? Thank you.
Hello. I want to fly to Shanghai from Orlando Florida using a stand by pass. I will spend a few days in Shanghai and then travel to Hong Kong with a confirmed train ticket. After Hong Kong I return to Orlando using a stand by pass. Can I use the 240 hour visa for my trip?
Hi, yes you can.
Thank you very much
Hello!
I do not know if my last comment got posted, so sorry if I am repeating myself.
My flights are:
Madrid -> Paris -> Beijing
(Train from Beijing to Shanghai)
Shanghai -> Amsterdam -> Madrid
All flights are part of the same reservation.
Although, Paris and Amsterdam are just layovers, I am technically going through customs in France on my way out and through customs in The Netherlands on my way back.
Does this work with the 240-hour TWOV policy?
Hi, I think it will work, but confirm with your airline is recommended, read the article again.
I have talked to my airline and they’ve told me that I can forgo the last leg of my return flight (Amsterdam -> Madrid), just to be on the safe side, BUT only until I am checking in at the counter for my return flight.
This should suffice with the immigration officer on the day of departure.
However, I wonder if this something that I need to have already on arrival?
In all, everything except Madrid – CN – Madrid will work in your case.
El puerto de salida es paris, donde creo que pasaremos migración para salir
El puerto de entrada es Amsterdam donde se pasa aduana también al llegar
Aunque estemos de paso esos son los puertos de entrada y salida
Funcionará ?
FR – CN – NL is OK.
Hi, I am looking at alternative travel options as the visa process is currently taking a long time.
If my route was the below would this work with the 240hr transit free visa?
Dublin (Ireland) to Guangzhou (2 stops – layover London, 2nd layover in Hong Kong)
Travel internally (flight) from Guangzhou to Qingdao
Qingdao to London (layover in Hong Kong)
I think it will work, but confirm it with your airline is recommended, read the article again.
My understanding is that this will not be permitted because you’re entering mainland China from Hong Kong and then returning to Hong Kong. This doesn’t count as a Transit if you are going back to the same place that you came in from
Hello, I’ve read through the article and comments, I wish to confirm about the ferry port option for entry and exit 3rd country.
Here is the proposed route:
UK passport holder:
Thailand >> HK >> Shenzhen (by ferry from HK airport >> Shekou port) >> Macao (from Shenzhen Shekou port to Macao by ferry) >> HK >> Thailand.
Also, I saw an earlier comment that “To use the 240-hour TWOV to enter China, you must present a confirmed ticket showing your departure from China to a third country or region at the time of entry.”
Q. Then I assume at entry, presenting a booked single ferry ticket exiting Shenzhen Shekou port to travel to Macao is required?
Thank you very much for your help
Hi Martin, yes, your plan will work. Yes, the ferry ticket to Macau is essential.
Thank You! I’m struggling to find it specifically listed on the official website or any embassies. I wonder if you might be able to direct me to a “official” source. or at least an official source that defines Taiwan as a “region.” Thanks so much!
You can call +8612367, why you ask while you don’t believe it..
I believe you, but I’m concerned the airline representative in the US or UK won’t let us get on the plane to China, so i want documentation.
It’s not the first day of this TWOV, I believe staffs there maybe more familiar about the policy than us…lol
Hi, quick question. Is Taiwan (TPE) considered a third region like HK and Macau for the purpose of the visa free entry? We hope to fly DTW-PVG travel to several regions and then depart PEK-TPE spend some time there then go on to Palau. Thanks
Hi Keegan, yes it is.
Hi, is any country considered as a third region or only Macau, HK, Taiwan?
Under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, a “third region” is any destination outside mainland China—not just Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, but any foreign country. Travelers must have confirmed onward tickets to a third region after transiting mainland China to qualify for the exemption.
Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are treated as third regions for this purpose, but so are all other international destinations.