China 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy 2026

China has always been an ideal travel destination, but the visa process can feel complicated.
The good news is that with the 30-day visa-free entry policy and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you can visit China without applying for a visa.
This guide will help you understand the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, and plan an easy, stress-free China trip

What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy lets you visit China without a visa for up to 10 days. 
During this time, you can travel in many parts of China, covering 24 provinces, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc. 
However, these areas are not included: Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Jilin province.
To use this policy, you must meet these 3 conditions:

• You must travel to a third country or region. China is a stop on your trip, not your final destination.
• You should be from an eligible country. There are 55 eligible countries, including the United States.
• You need to stay in allowed areas. These include most parts of China, but Tibet and Xinjiang are not included.

Example Visa-Free Travel Routes

Here are some example travel routes to help you quickly understand this policy:

• Route 1: USA → Beijing → Shanghai → Hong Kong → USA  ✅ Valid
• Route 2: Hong Kong → Beijing → Guilin → Hong Kong→ USA  ❌ Invalid
• Route 3: USA → Hong Kong → Shanghai → Shenzhen → Macau  ✅ Valid
• Route 4: USA → Beijing → Shanghai → Japan ✅ Valid
• Route 5: Korea → Zhangjiajie → Shanghai → USA ✅ Valid

Please note: 

1. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan can count as a third region for entry or exit. However, your entry and exit points must be different. For example:

•  Hong Kong → Beijing → Hong Kong ❌ Invalid
•  Hong Kong → Beijing → Macau ✅ Valid

2. We can help you design a tour that meets this policy. You can also explore our sample visa-free travel itinerary here:

55 Countries Eligible for 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy

The following 55 countries are eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy:

• North America (3 countries): United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• South America (3 countries): Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
• Europe (40 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, and Norway.
• Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand.
• Asia (7 countries): Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Indonesia.

The List of 24 Provinces under the Visa-Free Transit Policy

Currently, there are 24 provinces included in the 240-hour visa-free policy, covering many top travel destinations, such as Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, Yunnan, and Chengdu. You can explore the full list below and choose your favorite destinations. We can also help you design a personalized tour based on your interests.

• Popular Tourist Destinations (6 Areas): Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces.
• Northern China (7 Areas): Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Henan, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, and Shandong provinces.
• Southern China (11 Areas): Guangxi, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Hubei, Hainan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Jiangsu provinces.
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30-Day Visa-Free Entry vs 240-Hour Transit Policy

Generally speaking, the 30-day visa-free entry policy offers a longer stay and broader travel coverage within China. Here’s a quick comparison:

FAQs about China Visa-Free Transit Policy

1. What to prepare before entering China?

1）Passport & Documents:

• Passport Validity & Type: Bring the exact original passport used for your bookings. If you have recently renewed it or hold dual passports, bring both your new and old/second passports. (Note: Emergency or temporary passports are generally not eligible).
• Check Your Passport Physical Condition: Ensure your passport is completely undamaged (no tears, water stains, or missing pages) and FREE of any unofficial souvenir or tourist stamps, which can be treated as unauthorized alterations.
• Onward Ticket: You must present a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (e.g., Hong Kong, Macau, or a different country), with a departure scheduled within 10 days.

2) Completing the China Arrival Card:

• We suggest you complete the online card 48–72 hours before arriving in China (once your flight and first hotel details are fixed). Only use the official website, it is completely free.
• Save a screenshot of the confirmation page. (If the online system fails, you can still fill out a paper form upon arrival).

2. How are the 10 days calculated?

The 240-hour (10-day) period begins at 00:00 on the day after your arrival.
For example, if you arrive in Beijing at 14:00 on October 1, the countdown starts at 00:00 on October 2. You can stay in China until the end of October 11th.
If your departure to a third country is delayed and exceeds the permitted time, you will need to apply for a stay extension.

3. Can I visit Tibet under the visa-free transit policy?

No. Tibet is not included in the 24 regions eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit.
However, if you qualify for the 30-day visa-free entry policy, we can help you apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, as individual travelers are not allowed to visit Tibet independently.

Planning a Visa-Free Trip to China

With this visa free transit policy, you can easily visit China and enjoy an unforgettable journey in this enchanting country.
No need to worry about planning, simply contact us or email trip@odynovotours.com, and our professional team will create a customized itinerary for you. We’re here to ensure your China trip is seamless and memorable, and we look forward to helping you explore!