China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Eligible Countries & Entry Ports
About 54 nationalities · Major hubs · Third-country connection — the reference list for visa-free transit.
Quick answer: China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit lets eligible foreign travelers transit through China to a third country or region without a visa, staying up to 10 days. It is open to citizens of about 54 countries and usable at major airports, seaports, and land ports across China. You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region and meet the connecting-itinerary rule.
Who is eligible
Citizens of about 54 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU/Schengen states, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many others. The list has expanded in phases, so verify your nationality is currently included.
Entry and exit ports
Usable at major international airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Kunming, Hangzhou, and more), selected seaports, and some land ports. Not every port participates — confirm your specific port accepts 240-hour transit.
The itinerary rule
You must travel from country A to China to country C — a third country or region such as Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan counts as a separate region. A round trip A–China–A does not qualify.
How long you can stay
Up to 240 hours (10 days) from the permitted entry. You must leave within that window via an eligible port.
What you need at the border
- Valid passport
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 240 hours
- A visa for your next destination if required
- Completed arrival / transit declaration
Related pages
FAQ
A: A policy letting eligible foreign travelers transit through China to a third country or region without a visa, staying up to 10 days (240 hours).
A: About 54 countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, EU states, Japan, and South Korea. The list has grown in phases — verify your nationality is currently on it.
A: Yes, in most cases you may travel within the permitted area during the 240 hours, but you must exit via an eligible port. Check the specific rules for your entry port.
A: Yes. Traveling China to Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan (or vice versa) generally satisfies the third-country/region requirement.
A: A confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 240 hours, and any visa required for that next destination.
Disclaimer: This page is for visa consulting and document preparation reference only. It is not legal advice, does not represent any embassy, consulate, or visa authority, and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Consulate addresses, office hours, and jurisdictions may change at any time; all information is subject to the latest published rules of the relevant authorities.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-22