China Expands Visa-Free Transit to 240 Hours, Opening the Door to Longer Stopovers
BEIJING – Jan, 2026 – China has officially expanded its visa-free transit policy, allowing eligible foreign travelers to stay in the country for up to 240 hours (10 days) without applying for a visa in advance. The move marks a major upgrade from previous 72-hour and 144-hour transit programs and is aimed at making China a more accessible destination for global travelers.
Key Points
Policy Upgrade
- China now allows up to 240 hours of visa-free stay for eligible transit travelers
- The policy replaces earlier short-term transit visa exemptions
Eligibility Requirements
- Travelers must transit from one country to a third country via China
- A confirmed onward ticket within 240 hours is required
Travel Scope
- Visitors may travel within designated regions across 24 provincial-level areas
- Cross-city and cross-province travel is permitted within approved zones
Entry and Exit Access
- More than 60 international ports are open for visa-free transit entry and exit
- Entry and departure points do not need to be the same
Broader Impact
- The policy boosts tourism, business exchanges, and international connectivity
- It supports China’s post-pandemic reopening and travel facilitation efforts
What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows foreign travelers from eligible countries to enter China without a visa while transiting to a third country or region.
Under the policy, travelers can remain in China for up to 10 days, giving them enough time to explore major cities, attend meetings, or conduct short-term visits—far beyond what was previously possible during short stopovers.
Who Can Use the Policy?
To qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit, travelers must meet all of the following conditions:
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
- Travel from Country A to Country C via China (Country A and Country C must be different)
- Possess a confirmed onward ticket with a fixed departure date within 240 hours
- Enter China through a designated port of entry
Travelers who enter and exit China to the same country are not eligible for this visa-free transit arrangement.
Where Can Travelers Go?
The policy permits movement within approved areas across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, including major hubs such as:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Chengdu
- Hangzhou
- Xi’an
This expanded geographic scope enables travelers to plan short multi-city itineraries rather than remaining confined to a single metropolitan area.
What Activities Are Allowed?
During the 240-hour visa-free stay, travelers may engage in:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and trade-related visits
- Cultural exchanges
- Family or personal visits
Activities such as paid employment, long-term study, and journalism are not permitted under this policy.
How the Policy Works on Arrival
There is no need to apply in advance. Upon arrival in China, travelers must:
- Inform airline staff of their intention to use visa-free transit
- Complete a temporary entry card at immigration
- Present their passport and onward ticket to border officers
Final approval is granted by Chinese immigration authorities at the port of entry.
A Step Toward Greater Global Connectivity
China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy reflects a broader strategy to facilitate international travel, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and encourage longer stopovers.
By removing traditional visa barriers for transit travelers, China is positioning itself as both a global transportation hub and an attractive short-stay destination—turning brief layovers into meaningful travel experiences.