China Visa-Free Transit

Common questions

Who qualifies?

Passport holders from 55 countries — US, EU nations, Australia, Japan, South Korea and more. Canada, UK, and most EU countries qualify for 30-day visa-free instead, which is even more flexible. You must be transiting to a third country. Returning to your origin country doesn't count as transit.

How long can I stay?

Up to 240 hours (10 days). Under the official rule, the permitted stay is counted from 00:00 on the day following your entry — so the day you arrive doesn't count against the limit. Do not exceed the permitted time; confirm with 12367 or port authorities if your itinerary changes.

Which airports are covered?

65 eligible ports of entry across China, including Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU/TFU), and major hubs in Shenyang, Dalian, Xi'an, and more. Both your entry and exit ports must be on the eligible list.

What documents do I need?

A valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not your origin), and — if required — a valid entry visa for your destination country. No separate China visa application is required.

Do I need a visa to transit through China?

Passport holders from qualifying countries can transit visa-free — either under the 240-hour transit policy (up to 10 days, requires an onward ticket to a third country) or the 30-day unilateral visa-free policy (broader, no transit or onward-ticket requirement, 50 countries). Check your passport above to see which policy applies, if any.

What's the difference between the 240-hour transit and the 30-day visa-free?

The 240-hour transit requires travel to a third country with a confirmed onward ticket, entry and exit via one of 65 eligible ports, for up to 240 hours (10 days). The 30-day visa-free policy — which covers 50 countries — has none of those restrictions: no third-country requirement, no onward ticket, any purpose, up to 30 days.

How many countries qualify for 30-day visa-free?

50 countries currently qualify for China's unilateral 30-day visa-free policy, based on the official National Immigration Administration list — a separate policy from the 240-hour transit, which covers a different set of nationalities under different conditions.

What happens if I overstay my 240-hour transit?

Do not exceed the permitted time; confirm with 12367 or port authorities if your itinerary changes. The permitted stay is counted from 00:00 the day after you enter, so track your exit deadline from that point rather than your actual arrival time.

Do Hong Kong and Macao count as a third country?

Treatment can vary by port and airline and isn't uniformly confirmed across all routes. If your itinerary routes through Hong Kong or Macao, confirm with your airline and the official NIA transit policy before booking.

Can I apply in advance, or is it on arrival only?

No separate application is required in advance. Eligible passport holders apply for 240-hour transit handling at immigration inspection on arrival, with a valid passport and confirmed onward ticket to a third country. Port officers make the final decision — approval is not guaranteed.

Which countries get 30-day visa-free instead of 240-hour transit?

Countries including Canada, the UK, most EU nations, Australia, and Brazil qualify for the 30-day unilateral visa-free policy instead — a separate, more permissive policy with no third-country or onward-ticket requirement. Check your passport above for your specific policy.

Is the transit visa-free policy the same at every airport?

No — only the 65 eligible ports of entry (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu) support the 240-hour transit visa-free policy. Both your entry and exit ports must be on the eligible list, or it does not apply.