The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy is one of the best things to happen to China travel. It's also widely misunderstood. Here's what you actually need to know.
The Basics
- It applies to travelers from 55 eligible countries, including most of Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
- You must be transiting through China to a third country (A → China → B, where A and B are different countries)
- You can stay in approved areas for up to 240 hours (10 days)
- You cannot leave the approved area during your stay
The Fine Print That Trips People Up
Port of Entry Matters
Not all airports and ports participate. You must enter through an approved port and stay within the corresponding approved region.
Major approved ports include:
- Beijing Capital Airport
- Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao Airports
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport
- Chengdu Tianfu Airport
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport
Ports can be added or removed. Always check current rules before booking.
"Third Country" Means a Different Country
Hong Kong and Macau count as separate destinations for this purpose.
Example that works: London → Shanghai → Tokyo
Example that doesn't work: London → Shanghai → London
Your Outbound Flight Must Be Booked Before Arrival
You'll need to show proof of onward travel at immigration. Book your exit flight before you land in China.
Hotel Registration Is Mandatory
Every hotel you stay at must register you with local police. This is normal and required. If staying with friends, you must register at the local police station yourself (within 24 hours).
What Travelers Often Get Wrong
Thinking They Can Enter Through Shanghai and Visit Xi'an
You can't, unless both are in the same approved transit zone. Policy zones are regional, not national.
Example:
- Shanghai → Hangzhou → Shanghai (same zone)
- Shanghai → Xi'an (different zones, unless policy has changed)
Thinking the 240 Hours Includes Arrival Day
It doesn't. The clock starts at midnight after you land.
Example:
- You land January 1 at 3 PM
- Your 240 hours start January 2 at midnight
- You can stay until January 11 at midnight
Showing Up Without a Printed Onward Ticket
Immigration officers often want to see a physical copy or at least a clear digital confirmation. Have it ready.
How to Check Current Rules
The policy changes. Provinces get added. Ports get upgraded. Official sources include:
- National Immigration Administration: nia.gov.cn
- Travel forums and recent Reddit threads (often more current than official pages in English)
Rules and enforcement can change. Always verify close to your departure date.
Final Notes
The 240-hour transit policy is generous and genuinely useful. But it has specific, strictly enforced rules that change periodically. Don't rely on a Reddit post from 2023. Check current rules close to your departure date, and when in doubt, get your route reviewed before booking.
Last updated: June 2026
Rules and enforcement can change. Always verify current requirements before travel.
