240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
Transit through China for up to 10 days without a visa. Available at 60 designated ports in 24 provinces/municipalities.
Policy Description
Since 12 June 2025, China has unified the former 72-/144-hour transit visa-free schemes into a single 240-hour (10-day) visa exemption. Eligible travelers may enter through 60 designated ports in 24 provinces/municipalities and remain inside the permitted area for exactly 240 hours, counted from 00:00 the day after arrival.
Key Conditions
- • Must hold confirmed onward ticket (flight, ship, train) to a third country/region within 240 h
- • Entry & exit only through the 60 listed ports (e.g., PEK, PVG, CAN, CTU, KMG)
- • Valid passport with ≥3 months remaining validity
- • No extension permitted; overstay penalties apply
Cost & Processing Time
Cost
USD 0
No fee for transit visa waiver
Processing Time
Instant
At immigration upon arrival
Examples
✅ APPROVED Example
Mr. David Lee, a Canadian passport holder, flies Montréal → Shanghai → Tokyo. He lands in Shanghai (PVG) on 15 Oct 2025 at 14:30. Immigration stamps "240h visa-free" and writes a "must exit by 25 Oct 2025 23:59" note. David tours Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, then departs from Guangzhou (CAN) to Tokyo on 24 Oct – well within the 240-hour window.
❌ DENIED Example
Ms. Ana Silva, a Brazilian passport holder, books São Paulo → Beijing → São Paulo (round-trip). Upon arrival in Beijing, she cannot use the 240-hour transit visa-free because her next destination is her country of origin, not a third country/region. She is instructed to apply for an L (Tourist) Visa or change her itinerary to include a third country.
Eligible Nationalities
55 countries, updated 12 Jun 2025
Europe (40)
Americas (6)
Oceania (2)
Asia (7)
Application Process
Prepare Documents
Ensure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and confirmed onward ticket within 240 hours.
Arrive at Designated City
Present your documents at immigration and request the 240-hour transit visa-free entry.
Register with Police
Register your stay with local police within 24 hours of arrival (usually done by your hotel).
Depart on Time
Ensure you depart from the same city within 240 hours of arrival.
Sources
National Immigration Administration circular:
Notice on the Unified 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy (17 Dec 2024)