China 144 Hours (Currently 240 Hours) Visa Free Transit: Cities, Requirements, Application & Tips 2025
Effective December 17, 2024, the 72-Hour/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit program has been enhanced to a 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (10 days) in 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across China. These areas include Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang Province of Yangtze River Delta, Tianjin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, and Guangzhou, among others.
Under this new policy, travelers from 54 designated countries with valid travel documents and connecting flight tickets to a third country/region can enter China through specific ports and stay in designated areas for up to 240 hours (10 days) without requiring a Chinese Visa.
Which Countries Qualify for the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy
The 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption policy in China is now available to citizens of 54 states across 4 continents. Only individuals from one of these 54 member countries are eligible to apply for this service. The list of eligible countries is the same as that for China’s 72-Hour Transit Visa Exemption. Please refer to the list below to determine if you meet the necessary requirements.
Read full list of Countries Applicable to 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit >>
European Countries
European Countries under Schengen Visa Agreement (25):
Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Other European Countries:
Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco and Belarus.
American Countries:
The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile.
Oceania Countries:
Australia and New Zealand.
Asian Countries (6):
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
China 240-Hour Transit Visa Free Provinces, Cities and Ports
Currently, over 20 provinces and cities in China have implemented the 240-Hour TWOV (Transit without Visa) policy. These regions include the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Ningbo), the Jing-Jin-Ji Region (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei), Liaoning (Shenyang, Dalian), Xian, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Qingdao, and Guangdong Province (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chaoshan). Various ports of entry, including airports, railway stations, and cruise terminals, are available in these cities.
This visa-free policy offers increased convenience for international travelers in transit, as well as more flexibility for short-term travel, business trips, and family visits in China.
What Are the Requirements of 240-Hour Visa-free Transit ?
In order to apply for the 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption while transiting through China, there are specific requirements that must be met.
● Foreigners must come from the designated 54 countries
The policy applies exclusively to citizens from the 54 specified nations in Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania. Eligible applicants must have a passport from one of these countries. Please refer to the detailed list of qualified countries provided below.
● Foreigners must hold valid international travel documents
A passport is the primary form of identification for travelers, serving as proof of their identity. In addition to a passport, travelers may also present other recognized travel documents to confirm their nationality and identity. It is important to note that these documents must be valid for at least 3 months. Please be aware that identity cards and driver’s licenses are typically not considered valid international travel documents.
● Foreigners must hold a connecting ticket bound for a third country (region) within 240 Hours
One of the most crucial conditions for foreigners entering the country is that they must possess a connecting ticket, typically a flight ticket, to a third country or region with a confirmed seat and date within 240 hours. It is necessary to provide documentation showing a fixed departure date, as well as proof that the departure and next destination are different.
Tips: Hong Kong and Macau are regarded as third regions from China’s mainland. Hong Kong Visa / Macau Visa >>
Valid Routes Samples:
1. US > Beijing > Hong Kong or Macau
2. Australia > Shanghai > Hangzhou > Hong Kong or Macau
3. US > Guangzhou > Japan > US
4. New York > Beijing > Kuala Lumpur
5. London > Chengdu > Hong Kong
6. Los Angeles > Hong Kong > Guangzhou > Los Angeles
● Foreigners must enter and exit via specified ports
Passengers must enter and exit China through designated ports. For example, travelers can only apply for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit at specific locations such as Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and Beijing West Railway Station.
How to Apply for China 240 Hour Transit Visa ?
Utilizing the visa-free transit option at an airport, cruise port, or railway port is significantly more convenient and efficient than applying for a traditional tourist visa at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate overseas. Upon approval, your passport will be stamped with a stay permit, rather than a full visa page.
Required Documents:
To enter the country, you must have the following:
a. Personal valid international travel documents with a validity of at least 3 months from the date of entry.
b. Onward ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed seat and date within 240 hours of arrival.
c. Completed Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners.
d. Valid visa to the third country or region (if required).
Application Process:
Typically, there are six steps to follow when applying for the 240-Hour Visa-Exemption Transit. However, Shanghai has implemented a convenient and efficient online application system prior to arrival since November 2018. Let’s explore the necessary steps to obtain the transit visa exemption.
Option One (Most Common Procedure):
A. When boarding, please inform the carrier that you will be applying for the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit. They will then communicate your request to the immigration office.
B. Upon arrival, follow the signs in the customs area to locate the dedicated counter/channel designated for 240-Hour Visa-free Transit applicants within the immigration department.
C. If your application is approved, an immigration officer will stamp your passport with a stay permit indicating the issuing date and the permitted duration of stay.
D. If you possess a valid Chinese Visa but wish to utilize the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit this time, inform the immigration officer upon arrival.
E. Upon leaving the airport, it is mandatory to register yourself within 24 hours of arrival at the local police station or Public Security Bureau (PSB). If staying in a hotel, the hotel staff will handle the registration process on your behalf.
F. Should you plan to travel to other cities or extend your stay beyond 240 hours, you must apply for a new Chinese Visa from the local PSB. Failure to do so may result in fines and other serious consequences for illegal stay.
Important Notes of Transit Route, Entry Date & Restrictions
The 240-hour visa-free policy is specifically designed for foreigners who are in transit through China for a short period of time. In order to make the most of this convenient opportunity and explore the city during your layover, it is essential that you meet all the necessary requirements and adhere to all regulations and laws. To help you navigate this process smoothly, we have compiled a comprehensive guide with useful tips.
▶ Transit Route
The 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy is designed for visitors who are transiting through a specific area with the intention of continuing their journey to a third country or region. As such, travelers must have a different departure and arrival destination for this policy to apply.
For example:
a. Australia – Beijing – Tianjin – Singapore is OK (✔).
b. Australia – Beijing – Shanghai – Singapore is OK (✔).
c. Australia – Beijing – Dalian – Tianjin – Singapore is OK (✔).
d. Australia – Shanghai – Xian – Singapore is NOT OK (✘).
e. Sydney – Shanghai – Hong Kong -Sydney is OK (✔).
f. New Zealand – Shanghai – Suzhou – Hangzhou – Shanghai – New Zealand is Not OK (✘).
g. New Zealand – Guangzhou – Shenzhen – Hong Kong/Macau – New Zealand is OK (✔).
▶ Area of Movement
▶ Calculation of Entry Date
The 240-hour visa-free transit officially begins at 00:00 on the day following entry, rather than upon landing at the airport or receiving a stay permit. This means that travelers actually have more than 240 hours to stay in the country. For instance, if you arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 7:00 on March 1st, 2025, your visa-free transit period will start at 00:00 on March 2nd. As a result, you are permitted to stay until 24:00 on March 7th, 2025.
▶ Others
①Before applying for the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit in China, it is essential to carefully review all application qualifications to ensure eligibility.
There are specific situations in which individuals are not permitted to utilize the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit in China. These include:
1.) Confirmation by the exit & entry border check authority that your visit to China is prohibited according to relevant laws and regulations;
2.) Possession of a passport or other international travel document that is not valid for at least 3 months, or has been stamped with a visa refusal;
3.) Previous records of illegal entry/exit, stay, or work in China within the past 5 years;
4.) Involvement in violations of accommodation registration resulting in serious cases in China within the past 2 years.
②Prior to arrival in China, it is necessary to inform the immigration authority of your visa-free transit request through the airline company or personally.
③Upon arrival, travelers must complete the Arrival Card (the blue one, not the yellow slip received on the plane). Additionally, the Departure Card must be filled out at the counter when departing from China.
How to Spend 240 Hours (6 Days) in China During Transit
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day transit trip through China and discover the vibrant cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Kunming, and more. Depending on local regulations, you can enjoy a comprehensive city tour or a brief regional excursion. When you travel with China Discovery, you can expect top-notch tour packages that include must-see attractions, unique activities, seamless transportation, delicious dining options, and comfortable accommodations. Choose from our selection of 240 popular visa-free tours or reach out to us to create a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences. Explore China like never before with China Discovery.
Popular China Visa-free Tours:
● 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Great Wall Hiking
● 5 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Real Hutong Life
● 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
● 5 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou West Lake Biking
● 3 Days Chengdu City Break including Panda Volunteering
● 3 Days Chengdu Highlights Tour
Beijing's Top Picks
