240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Currently, China is implementing this policy for nationals of 55 countries including Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Nationals of these countries, who need to transit through China to third countries or regions, may enter visa-free through any of the designated 65 open exit-entry ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government and stay in the permitted areas for no more than 10 days, provided that they hold valid international travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed seats and departure dates.

Eligible Countries

Designated Ports

Provinces & Regions

10 Days

Maximum Stay

Policy Overview

Foreign nationals covered by this policy may, within the designated areas, engage in activities like travel activities, business activities, visits, family reunions, etc., during their stay periods. Activities such as work, study, or news reporting still require prior approvals and appropriate visas.

Important: You must hold valid international travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed seats and departure dates.

Eligibility Requirements

Hold a valid passport from one of the 55 eligible countries
Possess onward tickets with confirmed seats and departure dates
Travel to a third country or region (not the departure country)
Stay for no more than 10 days (240 hours)
Enter through one of the 65 designated ports
Remain within the permitted stay areas only

List of 55 Eligible Countries

Europe (40 countries)

Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

North America (2 countries)

Canada, United States

South America (4 countries)

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia, New Zealand

Asia (7 countries)

Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates

Eligible Ports and Permitted Stay Areas

Note: The following table lists all 65 designated ports and their corresponding permitted stay areas. Please ensure you enter through a designated port and remain within the permitted areas.

S/N	Provinces (Autonomous Regions and Municipalities)	Eligible Port	Permitted Stay Areas
1	Beijing	Beijing Capital International Airport	Beijing Municipality
2	Beijing	Beijing Daxing International Airport	Beijing Municipality
3	Tianjin	Tianjin Binhai International Airport	Tianjin Municipality
4	Tianjin	Tianjin Port (Passenger)	Tianjin Municipality
5	Hebei	Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport	Hebei Province
6	Hebei	Qinhuangdao Port (Passenger)	Hebei Province
7	Liaoning	Shenyang Taoxian International Airport	Liaoning Province
8	Liaoning	Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport	Liaoning Province
9	Liaoning	Dalian Port (Passenger)	Liaoning Province
10	Shanghai	Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport	Shanghai Municipality
11	Shanghai	Shanghai Pudong International Airport	Shanghai Municipality
12	Shanghai	Shanghai Port (Passenger)	Shanghai Municipality
13	Jiangsu	Nanjing Lukou International Airport	Jiangsu Province
14	Jiangsu	Sunan Shuofang International Airport	Jiangsu Province
15	Jiangsu	Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport	Jiangsu Province
16	Jiangsu	Lianyungang Port (Passenger)	Jiangsu Province
17	Zhejiang	Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport	Zhejiang Province
18	Zhejiang	Ningbo Lishe International Airport	Zhejiang Province
19	Zhejiang	Wenzhou Longwan International Airport	Zhejiang Province
20	Zhejiang	Yiwu Airport	Zhejiang Province
21	Zhejiang	Wenzhou Port (Passenger)	Zhejiang Province
22	Zhejiang	Zhoushan Port (Passenger)	Zhejiang Province
23	Anhui	Hefei Xinqiao International Airport	Anhui Province
24	Anhui	Huangshan Tunxi International Airport	Anhui Province
25	Fujian	Fuzhou Changle International Airport	Fujian Province
26	Fujian	Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport	Fujian Province
27	Fujian	Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport	Fujian Province
28	Fujian	Wuyishan Airport	Fujian Province
29	Fujian	Xiamen Port (Passenger)	Fujian Province
30	Shandong	Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport	Shandong Province
31	Shandong	Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport	Shandong Province
32	Shandong	Yantai Penglai International Airport	Shandong Province
33	Shandong	Weihai Dashuibo International Airport	Shandong Province
34	Shandong	Qingdao Port (Passenger)	Shandong Province
35	Henan	Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport	Henan Province
36	Hubei	Wuhan Tianhe International Airport	Hubei Province
37	Hunan	Changsha Huanghua International Airport	Hunan Province
38	Hunan	Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport	Hunan Province
39	Guangdong	Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport	Guangdong Province
40	Guangdong	Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport	Guangdong Province
41	Guangdong	Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport	Guangdong Province
42	Guangdong	Nansha Port (Passenger)	Guangdong Province
43	Guangdong	Shekou Port (Passenger)	Guangdong Province
44	Guangdong	Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal	Guangdong Province
45	Guangdong	Zhongshan Port (Passenger)	Guangdong Province
46	Guangdong	Hengqin Port	Guangdong Province
47	Guangdong	Hong KongZhuhaiMacao Bridge Port	Guangdong Province
48	Guangdong	West Kowloon Station Port of GuangzhouShenzhenHong Kong Express Rail Link	Guangdong Province
49	Hainan	Haikou Meilan International Airport	Hainan Province
50	Hainan	Sanya Phoenix International Airport	Hainan Province
51	Chongqing	Chongqing江北国际机场	Chongqing Municipality
52	Guizhou	Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport	Guizhou Province
53	Shaanxi	Xi'an Xianyang International Airport	Shaanxi Province
54	Shanxi	Taiyuan Wusu International Airport	Taiyuan City and Datong City
55	Heilongjiang	Harbin Taiping International Airport	Harbin City
56	Jiangxi	Nanchang Changbei International Airport	Nanchang City and Jingdezhen City
57	Guangxi	Nanning Wuxu International Airport	A total of 12 cities: Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, and Laibin
58	Guangxi	Guilin Liangjiang International Airport	Same as above
59	Guangxi	Beihai Fucheng Airport	Same as above
60	Guangxi	Beihai Port (Passenger)	Same as above
61	Sichuan	Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport	A total of 11 cities: Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya'an, Meishan, and Ziyang
62	Sichuan	Chengdu Tianfu International Airport	Same as above
63	Yunnan	Kunming Changshui International Airport	A total of 9 cities and autonomous prefectures: Kunming, Yuxi, Chuxiong, Honghe, Wenshan, Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, Dali, and Lijiang
64	Yunnan	Lijiang Sanyi International Airport	Same as above
65	Yunnan	Mohan Railway Port	Same as above

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the 240-hour period calculated?

A: It is calculated from the moment of entry until the same time on the 10th day. For example, if you enter on January 1st at 10:00 AM, you may stay until January 11th at 10:00 AM.

Q: Can I enter through one port and exit through another?

A: Yes, but both ports must be within the permitted stay areas and must be designated open ports.

Q: Can I leave the permitted stay area?

A: No. You must remain within the designated permitted stay areas. If you need to travel to other regions, you must obtain a formal visa.

Q: Can I extend my stay?

A: In special circumstances (such as illness or flight cancellation), you may apply for an extension with the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration, but you must provide relevant supporting documents.

Q: Can I engage in business activities?

A: You may engage in business meetings and inspections, but you cannot engage in paid work. If you need to work, you must obtain a work visa.

Q: Does the third country include the departure country?

A: No. You must travel to a third country or region different from your departure country. For example, traveling from the USA through China to Japan qualifies, but traveling from the USA through China back to the USA does not.

Important Reminders

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
Print your onward ticket confirmation in advance
Prepare hotel booking confirmation or accommodation proof
Understand and comply with permitted stay area restrictions
Strictly adhere to the 10-day stay limit
Recommended to purchase travel insurance
Keep all entry-related documents safe
Record local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration contact information

Note: This policy may be adjusted based on actual circumstances. It is recommended to consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official National Immigration Administration website at https://en.nia.gov.cn/ for the latest information before traveling.

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