China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit 2026: Eligible Countries
China extended visa-free transit from 144 to 240 hours, then opened 24 provinces to multi-province movement. Here's exactly how to use it in 2026.
China's National Immigration Administration extended the visa-free transit window from 144 to 240 hours in December 2024, and the policy has only grown more generous since. By May 2026, 54 nationalities can transit through 60+ entry ports across 24 provinces, and unlike the old version, you can now move freely between participating provinces during your 240-hour window.
Quick Facts
| Maximum stay | 240 hours (10 days) |
|---|---|
| Eligible nationalities | 54 countries |
| Entry ports | 60+ across 24 provinces |
| Cost | Free |
| Onward travel required | Yes, to a different country than entry |
| Application | None, declared on arrival |
What Changed in 2026
Three updates worth knowing:
- Inter-provincial movement. Until late 2024, you had to stay within the province where you arrived. Now you can move freely between any of the 24 participating provinces during your 240 hours.
- More entry ports. The list jumped from 39 ports in 2023 to over 60 in 2026, including newer additions in Yunnan and Hainan.
- Separate full visa-free policy. 38 countries (including most of Europe, Australia, NZ, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand) now enjoy unconditional 30-day visa-free entry, they don't need the transit policy at all.
Who Is Eligible
The 240-hour transit policy applies to passport holders from 54 countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India (recently added), and most of South America.
If your country is on the visa-free 30-day list (most EU, ASEAN-5, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea), use that policy instead, it's simpler and gives you 30 days, not 10.
Step-by-Step: How to Use It
- Confirm you hold an eligible passport.
- Book flights showing entry to China from country A and onward exit to country C (a different country than A). For example: London → Shanghai → Tokyo qualifies; London → Shanghai → London does not.
- Check that your arrival airport is one of the 60+ approved 240-hour transit ports, Beijing, Shanghai (PVG and SHA), Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Kunming, Xi'an, and many others qualify.
- On arrival, head to the dedicated 'Visa-Free Transit' counter at immigration. Show your passport, onward ticket, and basic Chinese contact details (hotel address suffices).
- Receive a stamp marking your 240-hour window. Note the exit-by date.
- Move freely within any of the 24 participating provinces.
- Exit to your onward destination before the 240 hours expire.
The 24 Eligible Provinces & Regions
Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Jiangxi, Hubei. Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia are not covered, visiting those still requires a regular Chinese visa.
Costs & Processing Times
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Free |
| Processing time | None, granted on arrival |
| Maximum stay | 240 hours from midnight after arrival |
| Extension | Not available |
Common Mistakes
- Round-trip ticket from your home country. Doesn't qualify. The policy strictly requires onward travel to a different third country.
- Confusing the 240-hour count. The clock starts at midnight after the day you arrive, not at the moment you land. Calculate carefully.
- Trying to enter Tibet or Xinjiang. Outside the 24 eligible provinces. Even within China, regional restrictions apply.
- Forgetting hotel registration. All foreign visitors must register their address with police within 24 hours. Hotels do this automatically; if you stay with friends or in an Airbnb, you must register at the local PSB office yourself.
- Ignoring health insurance. Not legally required, but Chinese hospitals require upfront payment from foreigners. See our China country guide for hospital recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work or attend a paid event on visa-free transit?
No. The transit policy is for tourism, business meetings, family visits, and short transit only. Paid work or formal employment requires a proper work visa (Z visa).
Can I exit and re-enter to reset the 240 hours?
No, and attempting to do so will get you flagged. One 240-hour window per entry, and frequent re-attempts trigger refusal.
What if my flight is delayed and I overstay?
Report immediately to the local immigration office. Genuine flight delays are usually waived; failing to report is what gets you fined and banned.
Does the policy work for cruise passengers?
Yes, China has a separate 15-day visa-free policy for cruise tour groups arriving by sea, which is even more generous than the 240-hour rule.
Are there any forms to download in advance?
No. Everything is handled at the arrival counter. Bring your passport, onward ticket, and hotel address.
Can I use this policy multiple times in a year?
Yes, there's no annual cap. Frequent business travelers use it repeatedly. Just make sure each entry has genuine onward travel to a third country.
Is Hong Kong or Macau a 'third country' for the onward ticket rule?
Yes, both qualify as separate destinations under the policy.
By Priya Sharma, visas.guide editorial team. Last updated May 2026. Verify current fees and rules with the official issuing authority before applying.
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