How to Use China’s 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit
Learn how to use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Check the 55 eligible countries, 60 open ports, and rules for 10-day cross-provincial travel.
TL;DR: Under official regulations published by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), the 240-hour visa-free transit policy (240小时过境免签 Èrbǎi sìshí xiǎoshí guòjìng miǎnqiān) allows citizens from 55 eligible countries to enter China without a visa for up to 10 days (240 hours) when transiting to a third country or region. Foreign travelers can enter through 60 designated open ports (开放口岸) across 24 provincial-level regions for business, sightseeing, and family visits.
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows citizens from 55 eligible countries to enter China without a visa for up to 10 days (240 hours) while traveling to a third country or region. You can enter through 60 designated ports across 24 provinces and enjoy cross-regional travel for tourism or business before your onward flight.
1. Core Requirements & Eligibility
To qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit, travelers must present required immigration documentation at entry inspection points under regulations set by the State Council of China:
- Valid Passport: Present an international passport (有效国际旅行证件) valid for at least three months beyond entry.
- Confirmed Onward Ticket: Hold an interline ticket (flight, international cruise, or train) with a confirmed date and seat bound for a third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan) within the 240-hour window.
- Arrival Card: Complete the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners (外国人临时入境卡 Wàiguórén Línshí Rùjìng Kǎ).
- Border Cooperation: Complete standard biometrics, fingerprinting, and exit-entry verification at border inspection.
INFO
The official 240-hour stay period is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day following your entry date. Permitted activities include tourism (旅游), business visits (商务商务), exchange, and family visits. Activities such as formal employment (工作), degree study (学习), or news reporting (新闻采访) strictly require an official visa prior to arrival.
2. Eligible Countries for 240-Hour Transit
Citizens holding ordinary passports (普通护照) from the following 55 countries qualify for the 10-day transit visa exemption:
- Europe (40 Countries): 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, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
- Asia (7 Countries): Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates.
- North America (2 Countries): Canada and United States.
- South America (4 Countries): Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.
- Oceania (2 Countries): Australia and New Zealand.
3. Approved Ports and Stay Areas
Travelers utilizing the 240-hour visa-free transit policy must enter via designated open ports (开放口岸) and strictly adhere to permitted stay regions (允许停留区域):
| Region / Zone | Entry Ports | Permitted Travel Area |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (京津冀) | Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Tianjin Binhai (TSN), Tianjin Cruise Port, Shijiazhuang (SJW) | Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, and Hebei Province |
| Yangtze River Delta (长三角) | Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Shanghai Port, Nanjing (NKG), Hangzhou (HGH), Ningbo (NGB) | Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province |
| Guangdong Province (广东省) | Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), Jieyang Chaoshan (SWA) | Entire administrative region of Guangdong Province |
| Single-Province Regions | Designated ports in Liaoning, Anhui, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Hainan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Heilongjiang | Strictly within the designated host province or municipality |
TIP
For multi-destination itineraries, exiting to Hong Kong (香港), Macao (澳门), or Taiwan (台湾) legally counts as traveling to a third region, making itineraries such as London → Beijing → Hong Kong → London eligible for visa-free transit.
4. Critical Exceptions, Overstay Penalties, and Enforcement
If an unexpected emergency, severe flight cancellation, or force majeure event occurs during transit, you must apply for a temporary stay permit (停留证件) at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration (公安局出入境管理局).
- Flight Delays and Cancellations: If outbound flights are delayed past the 240-hour window, travelers must immediately submit carrier documentation to obtain an emergency stay permit.
- Medical Emergencies: In cases of severe medical treatment, the host hospital or receiving entity must assist in filing stay extensions with local immigration authorities.
DANGER
Overstaying the 240-hour limit without immigration authorization or traveling outside permitted provincial boundaries constitutes illegal residence (非法居留 fēifǎ jūliú). Penalties under China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law include formal warnings, fines up to 10,000 RMB, administrative detention, and deportations with entry bans.
5. Actionable Checklist Summary
Ensure a smooth and compliant transit journey through China by completing these verification steps prior to boarding:
- Check Passport Validity: Confirm your passport is valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival in China.
- Book Onward Interline Ticket: Secure a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (e.g., Country A → China → Country B). Round-trip tickets back to your origin country are ineligible.
- Verify Port & Zone Restrictions: Confirm your entry airport is among the 60 designated ports and map your travel itinerary within approved provincial boundaries.
- Apply at Immigration Inspection: Upon arrival, follow signage to the dedicated 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Counter (240小时过境免签专用通道), submit your Foreigner Temporary Arrival Card, and present your onward travel verification.
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