240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Complete Guide & Port List (2025–2026)
Stay2CN Guide | 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Board | Updated May 2026China upgraded its visa-free transit policy from 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days) on December 17, 2024. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of it.
What Changed?
• Duration: 240 hours (10 days) from midnight after arrival
• Scope: Travel freely across ALL 24 eligible provincial regions
• Ports: 65 entry/exit ports nationwide
• Countries: 55 eligible nationalities
Who Qualifies?
Passport holders from 55 countries including:
• Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, and 33 more
• Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Indonesia, UAE, Qatar
Major Entry Ports
Beijing: Capital (PEK), Daxing (PKX)
Shanghai: Pudong (PVG), Hongqiao (SHA), Cruise Terminal
Guangdong: Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX), Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge Zhuhai Port, Hengqin Port, Pazhou Ferry, Zhongshan Port
Sichuan: Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU)
Shaanxi: Xi'an Xianyang (XIY)
Zhejiang: Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH)
Others: Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing, Qingdao, Xiamen, Dalian, Harbin, Kunming, and more.
Full list of 65 ports covers 24 provincial regions.
Key Requirements
1. Valid passport (3+ months validity)
2. Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (different from origin)
3. Completed Arrival/Departure Card (can now be done online)
4. No limit on how many times you use this policy
How the 240 Hours Are Counted
The clock starts at 00:00 on the day AFTER you enter. This means your actual maximum stay can be up to ~258 hours.
Example: Arrive Monday at 14:00 → Clock starts Tuesday 00:00 → Must depart by Friday 23:59 (10 full days).
At the Border: Step-by-Step
1. Fill out arrival/departure card (online or paper)
2. Proceed to the "240-Hour Visa-Free Transit" counter
3. Show your passport + onward ticket
4. Answer basic questions (purpose, duration, next destination)
5. Collect luggage and enjoy China!
Tips from Travelers
• Book your onward ticket before arrival — you'll need proof
• Hotels must register your passport with local police (normal procedure)
• Keep copies of your onward ticket and hotel bookings
• The policy allows crossing provincial boundaries freely
• Flight delays do NOT affect your eligibility
Official Source
National Immigration Administration: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.html
Have you used the 240-hour transit? Share your experience below!
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