The 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Everything You Need to Know (Updated 2026)

What Is the 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption?

China allows citizens of 55 countries to transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days). In December 2024, China replaced the earlier 144-hour transit policy with the new 240-hour (10-day) transit visa exemption, significantly expanding the window for travelers who want to explore Chinese cities during layovers or multi-city trips in Asia.

Eligible Countries

The policy covers most European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several South American and Middle Eastern nations. The 2024 update also expanded the list from 54 to 55 countries. Check the full list on the Chinese embassy website for your specific nationality.

The Key Rules

• You must be in transit — your journey must pass through China to a third country (or from a third country through China).
• You must enter and exit through one of the approved ports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Xiamen, Kunming, and several others).
• Your stay is limited to the administrative region of the port you enter (e.g., entering through Beijing allows travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province).
• You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 240 hours (10 days).

Common Mistakes

The most frequent issue is the "third country" requirement. You cannot use this exemption if you're flying from your home country to China and back to your home country — you must continue to a different country. Also, Hong Kong and Macau count as separate territories, so a route like Tokyo → Shanghai → Hong Kong → Tokyo would qualify.

How to Apply

No advance application is needed. Simply present your passport, onward ticket, and a completed arrival card at the transit counter at the airport. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the 240-hour transit exemption.