China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible travelers to remain within designated areas for up to 10 days while travelling through the Chinese mainland to a third country or region. It is a transit arrangement, not a general visa waiver for every itinerary, and the onward journey is a core eligibility condition.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
As of the review date above, the policy covers 55 countries across Europe, the Americas, Oceania and Asia. Eligibility is based on the passport used for travel.
View the 55 eligible countries
Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Which Ports Are Available?
The policy currently applies at 65 ports across 24 provincial-level regions. Major gateways relevant to many private itineraries include:
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
Not every port permits the same onward movement or stay area. Check the official list of eligible ports and permitted regions before confirming flights or trains.
Key Requirements
According to the National Immigration Administration, travelers must hold an eligible passport or international travel document valid for at least three months, meet the entry requirements of the onward destination and hold a confirmed interline ticket to a third country or region within 240 hours. Travelers must complete the required arrival information, cooperate with immigration inspection and remain within the permitted area.
The permitted stay is generally calculated from 00:00 on the day following arrival. Final admission remains subject to immigration inspection at the port of entry.
What You Can Explore
A well-structured transit itinerary can allow time for destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu or selected multi-city regions. The route must remain inside the officially permitted area, so the correct sequence should be confirmed before booking accommodation or ground arrangements.
Tips for Travelers
- Confirm that both your passport nationality and arrival port are eligible.
- Make sure the onward ticket is to a third country or region and falls within the permitted period.
- Carry the accommodation details and complete any required arrival card before inspection.
- Check the permitted travel area before adding rail journeys or excursions.
- For an official case-specific answer, contact China's immigration service hotline at 12367.
This guide is general travel-planning information and is not immigration or legal advice. Official requirements and their application can change. Sources: NIA Visa-Free Transit Policies and the November 2025 NIA update.
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