China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: The Complete Guide
Who can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, what the rules are, and how to plan a layover trip without a visa.
Last updated:
This page was last reviewed on 2026-09-03. Immigration rules change — always confirm with the official National Immigration Administration (NIA) or the 12367 hotline before you book.
What the 240-hour visa-free transit policy is
China allows citizens of 54 countries to transit through designated mainland China ports without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days), as long as they are traveling to a third country or region. The policy replaced the older 72-hour and 144-hour schemes in December 2024.
For a traveler flying from, say, London to Tokyo with a stopover in Shanghai, this means: enter Shanghai visa-free, explore for up to 10 days, then continue to Tokyo. You do not need to stay inside the airport — you can leave and travel within the permitted area.
Who is eligible
- You hold a passport from one of the 54 eligible countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most of Europe). The NIA publishes the authoritative list.
- You have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region departing within 240 hours (10 days) of arrival.
- You enter and exit through designated ports and stay within the travel area allowed for that port.
The rules that trip people up
- Third country means third country. A round trip (London → Shanghai → London) does not qualify. Your onward destination must differ from where you came from.
- Stay in the permitted area. The allowed travel area depends on your port of entry. Some ports allow travel across the whole province or region; a few allow cross-province travel. Check the specific rules for your arrival city.
- One ticket is easiest. You need proof of the onward journey. A separate ticket is fine, but the airline and immigration officer will want to see it.
- Your passport must be valid for the normal 6-month requirement.
- Visa-free transit is for transit. If you already hold a valid Chinese visa, you can just use that; the policy matters when you don’t have one.
How to use it on arrival
- Fill in the Arrival Card on the plane or at the port.
- Join the 24/144-hour (240-hour) visa-free transit lane at immigration, or tell the officer you are using the policy.
- Show your passport, onward ticket, and the arrival card.
- Keep your boarding pass from the inbound flight — officers may ask for it.
Common questions
Can I visit more than one city? It depends on the entry port’s allowed travel area. Several ports now permit travel across a wider region. Verify with the NIA for your specific port.
Does the 240 hours start when I land? The clock starts at 00:00 the day after entry — effectively you get 10 calendar days.
Can I enter by land or sea? The policy covers designated air, land, and sea ports. The list of designated ports matters more than the mode of transport.
What if my flight is delayed and I exceed 240 hours? Don’t. Overstaying has serious consequences. Build in a buffer.
Bottom line
If you hold an eligible passport and a genuine onward ticket to a third country, China’s 240-hour visa-free transit is one of the best stopover deals in the world. Verify the details for your nationality and ports first, then plan your layover with the rest of this guide.