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.
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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
Starting November 5, 2025, five new ports — Guangzhou Pazhou, Hengqin, Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, Zhongshan, and West Kowloon Station — will be added to China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, raising the total to 65 entry ports across 24 provinces.
No. | Province / City | Applicable Port | Authorized Activity Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport Port | Beijing |
2 | Beijing | Beijing Daxing International Airport Port | Beijing |
3 | Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport Port | Tianjin |
4 | Tianjin | Tianjin Port (Passenger Transport) | Tianjin |
5 | Hebei | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport Port | Hebei |
6 | Hebei | Qinhuangdao Port (Passenger Transport) | Hebei |
7 | Liaoning | Shenyang Taoxian International Airport Port | Liaoning |
8 | Liaoning | Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Port | Liaoning |
9 | Liaoning | Dalian Port (Passenger Transport) | Liaoning |
10 | Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Port | Shanghai |
11 | Shanghai | Shanghai Pudong International Airport Port | Shanghai |
12 | Shanghai | Shanghai Port (Passenger Transport) | Shanghai |
13 | Jiangsu | Nanjing Lukou International Airport Port | Jiangsu |
14 | Jiangsu | Sunan Shuofang International Airport Port | Jiangsu |
15 | Jiangsu | Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport Port | Jiangsu |
16 | Jiangsu | Lianyungang Port (Passenger Transport) | Jiangsu |
17 | Zhejiang | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Port | Zhejiang |
18 | Zhejiang | Ningbo Lishe International Airport Port | Zhejiang |
19 | Zhejiang | Wenzhou Longwan International Airport Port | Zhejiang |
20 | Zhejiang | Yiwu Airport Port | Zhejiang |
21 | Zhejiang | Wenzhou Port (Passenger Transport) | Zhejiang |
22 | Zhejiang | Zhoushan Port (Passenger Transport) | Zhejiang |
23 | Anhui | Hefei Xinqiao International Airport Port | Anhui |
24 | Anhui | Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Port | Anhui |
25 | Fujian | Fuzhou Changle International Airport Port | Fujian |
26 | Fujian | Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Port | Fujian |
27 | Fujian | Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport Port | Fujian |
28 | Fujian | Wuyishan Airport Port | Fujian |
29 | Fujian | Xiamen Port (Passenger Transport) | Fujian |
30 | Shandong | Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport Port | Shandong |
31 | Shandong | Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport Port | Shandong |
32 | Shandong | Yantai Penglai International Airport Port | Shandong |
33 | Shandong | Weihai Dashuibo International Airport Port | Shandong |
34 | Shandong | Qingdao Port (Passenger Transport) | Shandong |
35 | Henan | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport Port | Henan |
36 | Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport Port | Hubei |
37 | Hunan | Changsha Huanghua International Airport Port | Hunan |
38 | Hunan | Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport Port | Hunan |
39 | Guangdong | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Port | Guangdong |
40 | Guangdong | Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport Port | Guangdong |
41 | Guangdong | Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport Port | Guangdong |
42 | Guangdong | Nansha Port (Passenger Transport) | Guangdong |
43 | Guangdong | Shekou Port (Passenger Transport) | Guangdong |
44 | Guangdong | Guangzhou Port Pazhou Passenger Terminal | Guangdong |
45 | Guangdong | Zhongshan Port Zhongshan Port Passenger Terminal | Guangdong |
46 | Guangdong | Hengqin Port | Guangdong |
47 | Guangdong | Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Zhuhai Port | Guangdong |
48 | Guangdong | Guangshen Railway West Kowloon Station Port | Guangdong |
49 | Hainan | Haikou Meilan International Airport Port | Hainan |
50 | Hainan | Sanya Phoenix International Airport Port | Hainan |
51 | Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Port | Chongqing |
52 | Guizhou | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport Port | Guizhou |
53 | Shaanxi | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Port | Shaanxi |
54 | Shanxi | Taiyuan Wusu International Airport Port | Taiyuan, Datong |
55 | Heilongjiang | Harbin Taiping International Airport Port | Harbin |
56 | Jiangxi | Nanchang Changbei International Airport Port | Nanchang, Jingdezhen |
57 | Guangxi | Nanning Wuxu International Airport Port | Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, Laibin (12 cities) |
58 | Guangxi | Guilin Liangjiang International Airport Port | Same as above |
59 | Guangxi | Beihai Fucheng Airport Port | Same as above |
60 | Guangxi | Beihai Port (Passenger Transport) | Same as above |
61 | Sichuan | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Port | Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya’an, Meishan, Ziyang (11 cities) |
62 | Sichuan | Chengdu Tianfu International Airport Port | Same as above |
63 | Yunnan | Kunming Changshui International Airport Port | Kunming, Yuxi, Chongxiong, Honghe, Wenshan, Pu’er, Xishuangbanna, Dali, Lijiang (9 cities) |
64 | Yunnan | Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Port | Same as above |
65 | Yunnan | Xishuangbanna Mohan Railway Port | Same as above |
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 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: Are round-trip tickets in one booking accepted?
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.
Hi – I’m planning to enter Nansha from Hong Kong by ferry, stay for a week, then leave from Guangzhou to the UK (but with a layover in HK). The ticket clearly shows Guangzhou to London as the full journey – so this should be fine?
Hi, yes, I think you will be good.
Hi mi planning to travel from seul – Pekín- Xian- Shanghai- Osaka can i use the 240 hour visa free travel? Im from Mexico. Thanx for your help
Hi Fabiola, yes if within 240 hours.
Hai, if i have route.
Departure : jakarta – manila- shanghai.
Return: shanghai – Hongkong – Jakarta. Only Transit 3 hours at hongkong.
Can this 240 hours visa works? Thank you
Hi, you are eligible.
Hello, I’m a US passport holder traveling from Detroit into Shanghai for business. Then continuing on from Shanghai to Tokyo after 5 days. I plan on using the 240 hour visa free option. On the arrival card do I need to check both “visiting business” and “transit?” Wondering if checking the transit box is necessary to be eligible for the 240 hour rule.
Thank you for your help!
Hi Tom,
Check “Transit.” That’s correct for the 240-hour visa-free stay. Your business purpose is fine — eligibility depends on your travel route (U.S. → China → Japan), not the reason for entry.
I’m a Swedish citizen and will be traveling soon on Qatar Airways from Stockholm to Hong Kong (with a 3-hour layover in Doha). I plan to stay in Hong Kong for 2 days, then take a train to Guangzhou, where I’ll stay for 5 days before flying back to Stockholm from Guangzhou via Doha on Qatar Airways.
Do I need a visa for this itinerary?
And if instead of Train, I take ferry/flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, will it work then?
You can only use ferry from HK to Guangzhou if you want to use 240 hours TWOV.
Hi, I booked a flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Kunming China and back to Thailand. Do I need to book a flight to a third country instead of a return flight to Thailand to take advantage of the 240 hour visa free policy?
Here’s what my current itinerary looks like:
Thailand -> China -> Thailand.
Yes, 240 hours TWOV only fits something like Country A – CN – Country B, read the article again for this kind of basic thing.
Okay, thank you.
Dear Sir or Madam, I would like to inquire about my return ticket to Germany. I have an Indonesian passport and I was supposed to fly to China with a transit visa. But I couldn’t enter because I came from Vietnam and was flying back through Vietnam to Germany. My return flight is from Guangzhou to Frankfurt. I planned to go to Hong Kong and then return to China. Is it possible for me to reapply for a transit visa to China and then take my return flight to Germany? Can you solve my problem? I need help to fly back to Germany. Thank you!
Hi Nova, yes, you can use 240 hours TWOV if your route is Country A – CN – Country B, read the article again for this kind of basic thing.
Hi,
I am an Indonesian passport holder, and I would like to confirm some details regarding the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
From what I’ve read online, an itinerary such as Jakarta → China → Hong Kong → Jakarta is eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit.
However, I would like to clarify whether an itinerary such as Jakarta → Hong Kong → China → Jakarta is also eligible ?
I read online that returning to the original country after visiting China may not be allowed under the visa-free transit rule. Could you please confirm if this itinerary (Hong Kong → China → Indonesia) would still qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
I look forward to your kind clarification.
Hi Teg, both of your plan works.
Hello, my itinerary would be as follows:
Taipei—layover in hong kong—-Beijing
On the 10th day
Shanghai—Taipei.
Would this qualify for the TWOV, given the layover in HKG? Thank you
It may have problem, check with your airline what will print on your ticket, only HK – CN – Taipei will work.
I’m a US citizen and will be attempting to use the 240 Hour Visa Free travel to China. Would this itinerary qualify or would I have to fly into China from a country other than the US?
– Chicago USA to Seattle USA (flight connection)
– Seattle USA to Shanghai (stay in Shanghai for 3 days for business meeting)
– Shanghai to Toronto Canada (I have 4 hours in between flights and could exit airport, if needed to demonstrate going through Canada customs)
– Toronto Canada to Chicago USA
I could fly USA to Seoul or Tokyo as a connection into Shanghai, if that is needed.
Thank you for input. Policy is very confusing.
Hi Joseph, USA – CN – CAN will work, no need to adjust your plan.