240-Hour / 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free in China

Eligible Countries (54):

Europe (44 countries):

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

Americas (6 countries):

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

Oceania (2 countries):

Australia, New Zealand

Asia (6 countries):

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

Applicable Ports & Travel Areas:

City / Province Entry Port Name Stay / Travel Area
Beijing / Tianjin / Hebei Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX), Tianjin Binhai Airport, Qinhuangdao Port Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province
Shanghai / Jiangsu / Zhejiang Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH), Ningbo Lishe, Nanjing Lukou (NKG) Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province
Guangdong Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), Jieyang Chaoshan, Shekou Passenger Port Guangdong Province
Sichuan (Chengdu) Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) Chengdu, Leshan, Meishan, Yibin, and 11 cities
Shaanxi (Xi'an) Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Xi'an and Xianyang administrative areas
Chongqing Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) Chongqing Municipality
Yunnan Kunming Changshui (KMG), Lijiang Sanyi (LJG), Mohan Railway Port Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna

Unilateral Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of these countries can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business, or visiting relatives.

Country Maximum Stay
France 30 days
Germany 30 days
Italy 30 days
Spain 30 days
Netherlands 30 days
Switzerland 30 days
Australia 30 days
New Zealand 30 days
Ireland 30 days
Hungary 30 days
Austria 30 days
Belgium 30 days
Luxembourg 30 days
Poland 30 days
Portugal 30 days
Greece 30 days
Norway 30 days
Finland 30 days
Denmark 30 days
Iceland 30 days
Japan 30 days
South Korea 30 days
Malaysia 30 days

Mutual Visa Exemption Countries

Based on mutual visa exemption treaties, passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to China.

Country Maximum Stay
Singapore 30 days
Thailand 30 days
United Arab Emirates 30 days
Qatar 30 days
Kazakhstan 30 days
Uzbekistan 30 days
Georgia 30 days
Armenia Maximum stay of no more than 90 days per 180 days
Serbia 30 days
Belarus 30 days, not exceeding 90 days per calendar year
Bosnia and Herzegovina Maximum stay of no more than 90 days per 180 days
San Marino 90 days
Maldives 30 days
Mauritius 60 days
Fiji 30 days

FAQ

1. When does the 240-hour / 144-hour transit exemption start counting?

The time starts from midnight (00:00) of the day after entry. For example: If you enter on December 1st, the counting starts from December 2nd 00:00, effectively granting extra daytime upon arrival.

2. Can I travel across provinces during the transit period?

Only within permitted regional clusters! For example, entry through Shanghai allows travel across Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. Entry through Beijing allows travel across Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei.

3. Can I enter mainland China from Hong Kong or Macau?

Yes. Hong Kong and Macau are treated as third regions for transit purposes. A routing like London ➔ Beijing ➔ Hong Kong qualifies 100% for the transit visa-free policy.

4. Can I buy exit tickets after entering China?

No. You must present confirmed connecting tickets to a third country/region with fixed seats and dates before boarding your flight to China.

5. Is it allowed to enter from Guangzhou and exit from Shanghai?

Generally no for transit exemptions, as Guangzhou and Shanghai belong to different administrative clusters. You must enter and exit within the designated port group unless holding a standard visa.

6. What is the mandatory 24-hour accommodation registration?

Foreigners must register within 24 hours of arrival. When booking accommodations through our DMC, the hotel front desk automatically handles this electronic filing with local police upon check-in.

7. What happens if flight cancellations cause an overstay?

In case of force majeure (flight disruption or medical issues), you must immediately apply for a stay extension at the local Public Security Entry-Exit Bureau. Our ground concierge provides emergency support.