Transit visa & the 240-hour rule
Most layover travelers don’t need a Chinese visa at all. Here’s how the visa-free transit policy works — and how to avoid the mistakes that get people turned around at immigration.
240-hour transit eligibility check
A quick first check — not a guarantee. Always confirm with official sources.
Looks eligible — with the usual caveats
- Your nationality is on the 54-country list.
- Shanghai (PVG / SHA) is a designated transit port.
- Allowed travel area: Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang (verify current area).
- You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region departing within 240 hours.
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
- Rules change — always verify with the National Immigration Administration (NIA) or the 12367 hotline before booking.
- This checker is informational, not a guarantee of entry. Last reviewed 2026-09-03.