240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
1. Who Is Eligible?
- Passport Holders from 54 Countries
The policy currently applies to nationals of 54 countries, including (but not limited to):- RussiaBrazilThe United KingdomThe United States of AmericaCanadaAustraliaMost EU countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.)
- Transit Requirement
- You must be in transit to a third country/region.
- Example route: Country A → China (up to 240 hours) → Country B.
- Important: Traveling back to the same country you departed from (A → China → A) does not qualify as transit.
- Eligible countries
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | Schengen (25): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland Other European (15): Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco |
| Americas (6) | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile |
| Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand |
| Asia (6) | Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar |
2. Where Can You Enter? (Eligible Ports)
- You must enter (and exit) through one of the 60 designated ports in 24 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities.
- Eligible regions and ports
| Province/Region/City | Applicable Port(s) |
|---|---|
| Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport |
| Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin Seaport (Passenger) |
| Hebei | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, Qinhuangdao Seaport (Passenger) |
| Liaoning | Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, Dalian Seaport (Passenger) |
| Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Seaport (Passenger) |
| Jiangsu | Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Sunan Shuofang International Airport, Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport, Lianyungang Seaport (Passenger) |
| Zhejiang | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Ningbo Lishe International Airport, Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, Yiwu International Airport, Wenzhou Seaport (Passenger), Zhoushan Seaport (Passenger) |
| Anhui | Hefei Xinqiao International Airport, Huangshan Tunxi International Airport |
| Fujian | Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, Wuyishan International Airport, Xiamen Seaport (Passenger) |
| Shandong | Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, Yantai Penglai International Airport, Weihai Dashuibo International Airport, Qingdao Seaport (Passenger) |
| Henan | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport |
| Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport |
| Hunan | Changsha Huanghua International Airport, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport |
| Guangdong | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, Nansha Seaport (Passenger), Shekou Seaport (Passenger) |
| Hainan | Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport |
| Guizhou | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport |
| Shaanxi | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport |
| Shanxi | Taiyuan Wusu International Airport |
| Heilongjiang | Harbin Taiping International Airport |
| Jiangxi | Nanchang Changbei International Airport |
| Guangxi | Nanning Wuxu International Airport, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, Beihai Fucheng Airport, Beihai Seaport (Passenger) |
| Sichuan | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport |
| Yunnan | Kunming Changshui International Airport, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, Mohan Railway Port |
3. How Long Can You Stay & Where Can You Travel?
- Maximum Stay: 240 Hours (10 Days)
- Counted from 00:00 on the day following entry or, in some regions, from the actual time of entry (this varies by port—travelers should confirm on arrival).
- Allowed Travel Areas
- You can travel within designated areas in any of the 24 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities that are part of the 240-hour visa-free policy.
- Newly added or expanded areas:
- Shanxi Province: Taiyuan and Datong (limited to these two cities)
- Anhui Province: Entire province
- Jiangxi Province: Nanchang and Jingdezhen
- Hainan Province: Entire province
- Guizhou Province: Entire province
- Fujian Province, Hubei Province, Shaanxi Province: Now extended to entire provinces (previously restricted to certain cities)
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Expanded to Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, Laibin
4. Documents & Requirements
- Valid Passport
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
- Confirmed Onward Ticket
- You need proof (e.g., an electronic ticket) of onward travel to a third country/region within 240 hours of arrival.
- Arrival & Departure Cards
- Complete the required arrival and departure cards (often available on the plane or at the airport).
- Travel Itinerary
- Print copies of your hotel reservations and onward flight details—immigration officers may request these.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds
- Although not always asked for, it’s wise to carry proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
- Check Local Procedures
- Some airports may issue a temporary entry permit on arrival. Follow instructions from border officials carefully.
5. Registration & Compliance
- Hotel Registration
- If staying in a hotel, it will automatically register your stay with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB).
- If staying in private accommodations, you must register in person at the local PSB within 24 hours of arrival.
- Stay Within Allowed Areas
- You must not exceed the designated provinces/cities for your visa-free transit. Traveling beyond these areas may lead to penalties.
- Departure Within 240 Hours
- Exiting after 240 hours (10 days) is an overstay. You could face fines or other legal consequences.
6. Tips & Additional Notes
- Confirm the Start Time of the 240-Hour Period
- Some ports start counting the 240 hours from midnight following the day of entry, while others begin at the actual time of entry. Ask the immigration officer upon arrival or research your specific port’s rules in advance.
- Carry All Relevant Documents
- Always keep printed (or easily accessible electronic) copies of your itinerary, hotel bookings, and tickets.
- Check for Policy Updates
- Regulations can change quickly. Encourage travelers to double-check with the official websites of the National Immigration Administration or Chinese embassies/consulates in their home countries.
- Extensions Not Generally Granted
- In principle, the 240-hour transit visa exemption cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must apply for a regular visa in advance.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes and is based on the latest announcement from the National Immigration Administration (December 17, 2024). Requirements can vary depending on port of entry and local regulations. Travelers should always verify current rules with official sources or consult a Chinese consulate/embassy before finalizing travel plans.