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China Expands 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: What International Travelers Need to Know

China has officially expanded its visa-free transit policy, allowing eligible foreign travelers to stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa. This major update replaces the previous 72-hour and 144-hour limits and significantly increases flexibility for international transit passengers.

The new 240-hour visa-free transit policy is now in effect and applies to travelers transiting through China on their way to a third country or region. With longer stays, more entry ports, and cross-regional travel access, the policy opens new opportunities for short-term exploration, business visits, and extended layovers.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: What Has Changed?

Extended Stay: Up to 10 Days Without a Visa

The most notable update is the extension of the visa-free transit period to 240 hours (10 days). Previously, eligible travelers could stay only 72 or 144 hours, depending on the region. This longer stay allows visitors to plan multi-city itineraries during a stopover in China.

Expanded Entry Ports Across 24 Regions

The visa-free transit program now includes 60 ports of entry, up from 39. These ports are located across 24 provincial-level regions, offering travelers greater flexibility in choosing arrival and departure points.

Newly added entry locations include destinations such as:

• Chengdu
• Zhangjiajie
• Guiyang
• Huangshan

Major international hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai continue to serve as key entry points under the policy.

This expansion improves access to both well-known metropolitan centers and popular scenic destinations.

Cross-Regional Travel During the 10-Day Stay

One of the most significant improvements is the introduction of cross-regional travel. Eligible travelers can now move freely across all 24 participating regions during their 240-hour stay.

This means visitors are no longer restricted to a single city or province. For example, a traveler may enter through Chengdu, explore nearby attractions, and then visit coastal cities or mountain destinations within the permitted timeframe.

The policy creates new possibilities for:

• Multi-city tourism itineraries
• Business travel across different provinces
• Extended layovers with regional exploration

Eligible Countries for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

The policy applies to nationals from 54 countries, grouped by region:

Europe (40 Countries)

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

Americas (6 Countries)

United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.

Oceania (2 Countries)

Australia and New Zealand.

Asia (6 Countries)

Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Travelers must hold a passport from one of these eligible countries to apply.

Requirements for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

To qualify for the 10-day visa-free transit, travelers must meet specific conditions.

1. Valid Passport

Applicants must hold a valid passport or international travel document with at least three months of remaining validity from the date of arrival.

2. Confirmed Onward Ticket to a Third Country

Travelers must:

• Be transiting to a third country or region (not returning to the country of departure)
• Hold a confirmed onward ticket with a specific departure date and seat
• Depart within 240 hours of arrival

The onward journey must clearly show departure from China to another destination.

3. Arrival Documentation

Upon arrival, travelers must:

• Complete the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners
• Cooperate with border inspection procedures

The 240-hour stay period begins at 00:00 on the day after entry.

4. Apply at an Approved Port of Entry

Eligible travelers must apply at one of the 60 designated ports of entry, including major international airports and select regional hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie.

Important Policy Notes

• The 240-hour visa-free transit is strictly for transit purposes. It applies only to travelers passing through China en route to a third country or region.
• If a traveler’s country has a separate mutual visa exemption agreement with China, those provisions may apply instead.
• Travelers must comply with all immigration and border inspection requirements during their stay.

Why the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Matters for International Travelers

With a longer stay period, more entry points, and cross-regional access, China’s updated visa-free transit policy provides:

• Greater flexibility for multi-city travel
• Improved convenience for international business trips
• More options for extended layovers
• Easier access to both major cities and scenic destinations

For travelers planning international routes that include a stopover in China, the new 240-hour visa-free transit offers an opportunity to explore more without applying for a traditional visa.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: Ports of Entry and Permitted Stay Areas (Table Format)

Below is a complete table summarizing the eligible ports of entry and their corresponding permitted stay areas under China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy.