[Official Guide] 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Eligibility, Documents & Step-by-Step Process (2026)
Stay2CN Official Guide | 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit | May 2026This guide covers everything you need to legally use China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy. No stories, no fluff — just the facts.
Who Is Eligible?
Passport holders from 55 countries including:
• All EU countries
• UK, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar
• Russia and most of Latin America
Full list: Check the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website for the most current version.
The 65 Eligible Ports
Airports (major ones):
Beijing Capital & Daxing, Shanghai Pudong & Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, Xi'an Xianyang, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Kunming Changshui
Cruise ports: Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou
Railway ports: Beijing West, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou South, Shenzhen North
Road ports: Selected border crossings (mostly Guangdong/Hong Kong)
Step-by-Step Process
Before arrival:
1. Confirm your passport has 6+ months validity
2. Book an onward ticket to a third country/region (not your origin)
3. Book at least one night's accommodation
4. Screenshot your onward ticket (airport WiFi is unreliable)
At immigration:
1. Follow signs to "240-Hour Visa-Free Transit" or "Foreigners"
2. Present: passport, onward ticket, accommodation booking
3. Fill out the arrival card (paper or digital QR code)
4. The officer stamps your passport with entry date
5. You now have 240 hours from 00:00 the day AFTER entry
During your stay:
• You can travel freely within the allowed region (all of China for most ports)
• Hotels register you automatically — no extra steps
• You cannot work, study, or engage in journalism
At departure:
• Arrive at the airport/port 2–3 hours early
• Go through regular exit immigration
• No additional paperwork needed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Booking a return ticket to the same country you came from
❌ Arriving with less than 6 months passport validity
❌ Forgetting that Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as "third regions"
❌ Overstaying even by 1 hour — penalties are strict
FAQ
Q: Can I use this multiple times in a year?
A: Yes, but consecutive trips with no real time in between may raise questions.
Q: Can I enter by land and fly out?
A: Yes, any combination of the 65 ports works.
Q: What if my flight is cancelled?
A: Contact the local NIA office immediately. They usually grant a short extension for documented flight issues.
Questions about your specific situation? Ask below.
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