240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China (2026 Guide)
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As of 2026, citizens from 55 countries can enter China through any of 60 designated ports and stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country. Cross-province travel is now permitted within 24 provinces. You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country and an onward ticket to a third destination departing within 240 hours.
Who is eligible?
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy currently covers 55 countries: 40 European countries, 6 in the Americas, 2 in Oceania, and 7 in Asia. Key eligible nationalities include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, and most European Union member states. For the complete and up-to-date country list, see our Visa-Free Countries page.
Eligibility requirements: You must hold a valid passport from one of the 55 eligible countries, an onward ticket to a third country (or region) departing within 240 hours, and you must enter and exit through designated ports.
Entry ports and allowed regions
As of June 2026, the 240-hour transit program covers 60 ports across 24 provinces. Cross-province travel is now permitted within the allowed areas. Below are the key entry regions and their coverage:
| Province / Region | Key Entry Ports | Allowed Travel Area |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX) | Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei |
| Shanghai | Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) | Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang |
| Guangdong | Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), Jieyang Chaoshan (SWA) | Entire Guangdong Province |
| Fujian | Fuzhou Changle (FOC), Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN), Quanzhou Jinjiang (JJN), Wuyishan (WUS) | Entire Fujian Province |
| Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe (WUH) | Entire Hubei Province |
| Shaanxi | Xi'an Xianyang (XIY) | Entire Shaanxi Province |
| Sichuan | Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU) | Chengdu and surrounding areas |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG) | Chongqing Municipality |
| Yunnan | Kunming Changshui (KMG) | Kunming and surrounding areas |
| Shandong | Qingdao Jiaodong (TAO), Jinan Yaoqiang (TNA), Yantai Penglai (YNT), Weihai Dashuipo (WEH) | Shandong Province |
| Anhui | Hefei Xinqiao (HFE), Huangshan Tunxi (TXN) | Entire Anhui Province |
| Hainan | Haikou Meilan (HAK), Sanya Phoenix (SYX) | Entire Hainan Province |
| Guizhou | Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE) | Entire Guizhou Province |
| Hunan | Zhangjiajie Hehua (DYG), Changsha Huanghua (CSX) | Hunan Province |
| Guangxi | Nanning Wuxu (NNG), Beihai Fucheng (BHY), Guilin Liangjiang (KWL) | 12 cities in Guangxi |
| Jiangxi | Nanchang Changbei (KHN) | Nanchang and Jingdezhen |
| Shanxi | Taiyuan Wusu (TYN) | Taiyuan and Datong |
| Other regions | Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Henan, Zhejiang (Wenzhou, Yiwu), Jiangsu (Sunan, Yangzhou) | Respective provincial areas |
Cross-province travel is now allowed. Under the expanded 240-hour policy, you can travel across provinces within the 24 covered regions. For example, you can enter through Beijing and depart from Shanghai, as long as both are within the permitted travel areas. Always confirm your specific itinerary with immigration upon arrival.
Application process
You do not need to apply in advance. The process is handled at immigration upon arrival. Here is what to expect:
- At departure check-in: Inform your airline that you are using the 240-hour transit policy. They may verify your onward ticket.
- On arrival: Fill out a temporary entry card (blue form) on the plane or at the airport.
- At immigration: Present your passport, completed entry card, and proof of onward travel (printed or digital). The officer will stamp a 240-hour temporary entry permit.
- During your stay: Register with the local police station within 24 hours if staying in a private residence. Hotels handle this automatically.
- On departure: Proceed to your third-country flight. You may depart from any eligible port within the 24 covered provinces.
How the 240-hour clock works:
The count starts at 00:00 the day AFTER arrival.Land Monday 3:00 PM → Clock starts Tuesday 00:00
Must depart by Thursday 23:59 of the following week (10 full days)
Important notes
- Cross-province travel is permitted. Under the expanded 240-hour policy, you can travel across the 24 covered provinces. Confirm your intended travel area with immigration upon arrival.
- You cannot extend your stay. Overstaying will result in fines, detention, and possible entry bans.
- This is not a work permit. You may not engage in paid work during a visa-free transit stay.
- Hotel registration is mandatory. Your hotel will automatically report your stay to the police. If staying with friends or family, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours.
- Policies can change without notice. Always check with your airline or the nearest Chinese embassy before travel.
FAQ
Can I enter through Beijing and leave through Shanghai?
Yes! Under the expanded 240-hour policy, cross-province travel is allowed within the 24 covered provinces. You can enter through Beijing and depart from Shanghai, as long as both are within the permitted travel areas. Confirm your specific itinerary with immigration upon arrival.
Can I use this policy multiple times?
Yes, there is no limit on how many times you can use the 240-hour transit policy, as long as each entry meets the eligibility requirements and you have a valid onward ticket.
What if my flight is delayed and I exceed 240 hours?
If a flight delay causes you to exceed the permitted stay, immediately notify the immigration authorities. They may issue an extension or temporary document, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis. Do not assume automatic approval.
How is the 240-hour policy different from visa-free entry?
The 240-hour transit policy requires an onward ticket to a third country and is available to 55 nationalities. The unilateral visa-free entry policy does not require an onward ticket, covers 50 countries, and allows a 30-day stay anywhere in China. See our Visa-Free Countries page for a full comparison.