Transit in China Without Visa – Updated China Visa Free Transit Policies
Do I Need A Visa to Transit Through China?
Typically, foreign travelers need a Chinese Transit Visa (G Visa) for a layover. However, if you meet the criteria for one of the following Transit Without Visa (TWOV) programs in China, the need for a Transit Visa will be waived at the transit port. This means no additional costs will be incurred, and you may be eligible for a short-term visa-free stay in select cities in mainland China. Below, we will outline the specific requirements and provide a step-by-step application guide.
Two Major China TWOV Rules
China currently offers two transit visa waiver programs for international travelers: the 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit and the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit. These programs have distinct requirements, restrictions, and durations of stay for each entry, and are implemented in various cities across China.
China 24-Hour Transit Without Visa
As the most convenient option for transit passengers, the 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit is available in many cities in China. This policy allows visitors from any foreign country who have connecting tickets (air, ship, train) to a third country or region within 24 hours to receive Transit Visa Exemption. This means they can make multiple stopovers while transiting through mainland China. If you choose to stay inside the airport during your layover, no visa is required. However, if you plan to leave the airport to rest in a hotel outside or go downtown for a quick sightseeing trip, you must apply for a Temporary Entry Permit at the immigration authority.
Important Information:
1. Ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of 3 months.
2. Your onward travel destination must be to a third country or region, different from your departure location.
3. Please note that the 24-Hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy may not be applicable at all airports. Prior to your arrival, we recommend contacting the airport service hotline to confirm eligibility.
China 240-Hour Transit Without Visa
Effective December 17, 2025, the transit visa-free policy for foreign nationals has been enhanced to allow for a longer stay of up to 240 hours (10 days), as opposed to the previous 72 and 144-hour limits. Furthermore, 21 new entry and exit points have been introduced for transit visa-free travelers, expanding the areas in which they can stay and explore.
Citizens from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the UK, the US, and Canada, who are passing through China en route to another destination, can now enter the country without a visa through any of the 60 designated ports of entry across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. This extended stay period provides ample time for travelers to experience the diverse culture and attractions that China has to offer.
The number of open ports of entry has increased from the original 39 to 60. The 21 newly added entry and exit points are as follows:
Shanxi Taiyuan Wusu International Airport
Jiangsu Sunan Shuofang International Airport, Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport
Zhejiang Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, Yiwu International Airport
Anhui Hefei Xinqiao International Airport, Huangshan Tunxi International Airport
Fujian Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, Wuyishan International Airport
Jiangxi Nanchang Changbei International Airport
Shandong Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, Yantai Penglai International Airport, Weihai Dashuipo International Airport
Hunan Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport
Guangxi Nanning Wuxu International Airport, Beihai Fucheng International Airport
Hainan Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport
Sichuan Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Guizhou Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport.
The newly optimized 240-hour transit visa-free policy has significantly broadened the regions where travelers can stay. The number of applicable provinces has increased from the original 19, which included Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Shaanxi, to now encompass 24 provinces. The newly added provinces are Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou.
In Anhui, Hainan, and Guizhou, travelers can stay in the entire province. In Shanxi, the permitted areas are limited to Taiyuan and Datong, while in Jiangxi, travelers can only stay in Nanchang and Jingdezhen.
Furthermore, the areas where transit visa-free individuals can stay in Fujian, Hubei, and Shaanxi have been expanded to include the entire province. In Guangxi, the area has been extended to include 12 cities: Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, and Laibin.
Latest details about 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China Transit Visa-Free Countries
The 24-Hour Direct Transit Visa Free policy is applicable to most foreign countries, whereas the 240-Hour TWOV is only valid for nationals from 54 designated countries across four continents. You can download the full list of countries eligible for the 240-Hour TWOV here.
>> European Countries
European Countries under Schengen Visa Agreement:
Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Monaco.
Other European Countries:
Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Belarus and Norway.
>> American Countries:
The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile.
>> Oceania Countries:
Australia and New Zealand.
>> Asian Countries:
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
How to Apply for China Transit Visa Exemption?
Step 1: Inform the airline carrier that will be taking you through China and submit your application for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program when boarding. The carrier will then notify the immigration office at the intermediate port of your need.
Step 2: Upon arrival, follow the signs to the customs area and proceed to the designated counter for Visa-free Transit visitors. Fill out an Arrival Card and submit it to the immigration officer.
Step 3: If your application is approved, your passport will be stamped with a Temporary Entry Permit indicating the date of issue and the permitted duration of stay at the entry port.
Step 4: If you have a Chinese Visa but wish to utilize the Visa-free Transit option, inform the immigration officer upon arrival.
Step 5: Once you have left the airport, it is mandatory to register yourself within 24 hours of arrival at the local police station or Public Security Bureau (PSB). If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will handle the registration process on your behalf.
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