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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Hello,
I am curious if flying/ferrying to HK for 1 day will reset the TWOV – For example, could I go from US to Taiwan for 3 days to China for 10 days to HK for 1 day back to China for 10 days then to US? Does the 1 day break in HK allow me to go back to China for more days beyond the original TWOV? I hope my question is clear, thank you for your time!
1. Flying US to-Taiwan for 3 days
2. Flying Taiwan to- Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing for 10 days
3. Flying China to-HK for 1 day can I then fly to Shanghai for another TWOV 10 days and then leave from Shanghai to US?
Hi,
Yes. Each entry resets TWOV. Exiting to Hong Kong ends the first TWOV; re-entering from HK with an onward ticket to the US (or another 3rd country) can start a new TWOV.
Can someone go from USA to Beijing for 4 days, then a flight out of Beijing that connects in Japan but goes on back to the USA, and satisfy TWOV rules? For someone with a US passport. Does it matter if the flight out of China goes to a 3rd country but then there is a connection to the country of origin listed?
Thank you.
Hi Mike, it doesn’t matter where is after the 3rd country, but if Japan is only a layover in your case, you should confirm with your airline what will be on your ticket, read the article again for this.
Hi,
I am planning to visit China using the following route:
1. Bangkok – Lijiang (via Kunming) by flight
2. Lijiang – Guangzhou by train
3. Guangzhou – Sapporo (via Hongkong) flight
Am I eligible to apply for a TWOV?
Since my flight from Bangkok to Lijiang includes a transit through Kunming for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, which port of entry should I apply for a TWOV? Kunming or Lijiang?
If I apply for a TWOV in Kunming, is it possible to complete immigration within the 1 hour and 50 minute transit time?
And, during my visit to Lijiang, can I travel to Shangri-La by train? I have doubt because Shangri-La wasn’t on the list of area allowed using TWOV policy
Hi, you are eligible for China’s 240-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy if you hold a passport from one of 55 countries and have onward tickets to a third country (Hong Kong/Japan qualifies).
Apply for TWOV at Kunming, the first entry port; immigration there is mandatory and 1 hour 50 minutes transit is considered tight and may be risky.
You may travel only within permitted Yunnan regions (Lijiang, Kunming, Dali, etc.), but Shangri-La is not included in the TWOV coverage and cannot be visited.
Hi! I am trying to fly from Thailand to Huangshan Tunxi airport, and exploring for 3 days. Then I plan to take a train from Huangshan to Beijing, and on my 9th or 10th day I plan to depart Daxing Beijing airport to Malaysia. Is this route completely legal for the 240 hour visa?
Also- on my Thailand to Huangshan Tunxi flight, I realized that I have an *11 hour long layover* in Guangzhou China (CAN) from 23:00 to 10:00. I am worried that my flight ticket might say that I am flying from Guangzhou to Huangshan! Do you think that is legal with that 11 hour layover already in China? I haven’t booked flights yet because I am worried about those legalities. Thank you!
Hi Mackenna,
Your plan is legal under the 240-hour visa-free transit if:
• You arrive from Thailand, travel Huangshan → Beijing, and exit to Malaysia within 240h.
• Both Guangzhou layover and Huangshan entry are fine—Guangzhou counts as your entry port.
Just confirm with your airline, since staff sometimes misunderstand long layovers in China.
Bring confirmed onward ticket + hotel bookings for immigration.
We’ll travel with our 6-month old. Does the TWOV work for baby? If yes, any other documents we need to prepare besides passport and tickets to third region?
Thanks!
Yes, it works for babies too, no other docs needed.
Hello, I am Turkish passport holder, do I need a visa to visit China for business purposes 6-7 days? Thanks for your answer.
Hi Ege, Turkish passport holders need a visa for business trips to China, even for visits of 6-7 days. There is no visa-free entry for Turkish citizens for business purposes. Apply for a China business M visa via the embassy or authorized visa center.
Hello, I am travelling from Auckland NZ to Jakarta, will stay in Jakarta for few weeks, then travel to Shanghai joining a tour for a total of 9 days. I will fly back to Auckland from Beijing. Am I eligible to apply for 240 hours transit visa?
Many thanks,
Hany
Hi Hany, you will be fine.
Hi,
Is this route ok for free 240H visa:
1. CGK – KUL (transit, but different flight number) – PKX
2. PKX – IRKUTSK.
on two separate tickets.
Then on the way back.
1. IRKUTSK – PKX 4 days- SHANGHAI (train) 4 days
2. SHANGHAI – BKK (transit, but different flight number)- CGK
again on two separate tickets.
That means I will need to apply for the free visa twice. Correct?
Do you know usually how long it takes to process the visa at the immigration?
Both itineraries meet the requirements for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit. The processing time at immigration depends on how crowded it is at the moment. If there are only a few foreigners applying, the procedure can be completed very quickly—usually within ten minutes.
Hi, asking for route. Planning to visit Shanghai with route like this: Indonesia – Shanghai (but with 5hrs layover in Shenzen before arrival in Shanghai, under the same booking code) – 3rd country – Indonesia.
Will this work for the 240hrs free visa? Am a bit worried about the possibility of deny entry because of the layover. Appreciate the help, thank you!
Hi Giana, you will be totally fine, no worries.
Hi, I need to confirm with you whether these itineraries are eligible for the China’s 240-hour visa-free:
1) Jakarta – Beijing via Singapore (3 hours layover)
2) Beijing – Singapore
3) Singapore – Jakarta
Thanks.
Hi Hendra,
Yes — your itinerary Jakarta → (transit Singapore) → Beijing → Singapore → Jakarta can qualify for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit, provided:
Singapore counts as the “third country/region,” so this routing is acceptable.
Hi Giana, I think you are not entitled to apply for transit visa as your route is Indonesia – China – Indonesia. Indonesia is not a third country as you are departing to a country you are traveling from.
She wrote “3rd country”.
Is HSR allowed during the 240 period? I am flying into Beijing and thinking of taking the HSR to Xi’an, departing Xi’an for Thailand. I cannot find any information on HRS rail travel from one province to another. Or is the inter-province travel only allowed by plane?
Yes, HSR is allowed.
I am traveling from London
to Tawain and then
to Beijing by plane..
Then to Guilin and
then by train to Hong Kong
After Hong Kong -I go back to London by plane.
Is this admissible under the 240 TWOV
I have a British passport.
Thank you
Hi Alina,
Your plan is admissible under the 240-hour TWOV policy.
Can you confirm that China airlines and Taiwan immigration knows about TWOV – because they have to authorise our travel to Beijing from Taiwan
Thank you
I can’t confirm, but I believe they should know it since the policy is there for a relatively long time.