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China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit 2026: Rules, Ports, and How to Use It

55+ countries can transit through mainland China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days). Learn which ports qualify, what documents you need, and how to avoid common mistakes.

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TL;DR

Passport holders from 55+ countries can transit through designated Chinese ports visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) as of 2026. You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, enter and exit through an eligible port, and stay within the permitted region. You cannot extend the 240 hours. This is not a tourist visa — it is strictly for transit. Most major airports and some railway stations qualify.
Eligible countries55+ including most EU, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Maximum stay240 hours (10 days) from entry
Eligible ports60+ ports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Nanjing
Onward ticket requiredYes — to a third country (different from origin)
Extension allowedNo — cannot be extended or converted
Last updated2026-06-10
Last updated

Do I qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit?

You qualify if you hold a passport from one of 55+ eligible countries, have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 240 hours, and enter through a designated port. Your origin and destination must be different countries. Most Western, East Asian, and Southeast Asian passports qualify.

Which ports support 240-hour transit?

Major airports: Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Xi'an (XIY), Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG), Xiamen (XMN), Qingdao (TAO), Dalian (DLC), Kunming (KMG), and 40+ others. Some railway stations and seaports also qualify. Check the exact list for your port — the permitted stay region varies by entry point.

What documents do I need at the border?

Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital onward ticket within 240 hours, and if possible, hotel bookings. Complete the arrival card on the plane or at the border. Immigration officers may ask about your itinerary. The process usually takes 5–15 minutes.

What are the most common mistakes?

The most common errors: booking a round-trip to China (you need a third country), overstaying the 240 hours (it is counted from entry time, not calendar days), traveling outside the permitted region for your port, and assuming all Chinese airports qualify (they do not). Plan your exit carefully — missed flights do not extend your stay.

Can I leave the airport and travel around?

Yes, but only within the permitted region for your port of entry. For example, Shanghai entry allows travel in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. Beijing entry allows travel in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. You cannot cross into non-permitted provinces. Check the exact region before planning side trips.

Frequently asked questions

Does Hong Kong or Macau count as a third country?
Yes. Travel from mainland China to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan counts as exiting to a third region, making you eligible for 240-hour transit on your return.
Can I fly into Beijing and out of Shanghai?
Yes, as long as both are eligible ports and your total stay is within 240 hours. You can enter at one port and exit at another.
What happens if I overstay the 240 hours?
Overstaying results in fines (typically ¥500–10,000), possible detention, and a ban from re-entering China. Do not risk it.
Can I work or study during the 240-hour transit?
No. The 240-hour transit is strictly for transit purposes. Any employment or study activity requires the appropriate visa.
Do children need separate documentation?
Children traveling on a parent's passport are covered by the parent's transit. Children with their own passports must meet the same requirements individually.

References

  1. National Immigration Administration — 240h transit rules
  2. IATA Timatic — transit visa requirements
  3. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Written by

Mei Lin

Former consular officer, Beijing · Updated weekly

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