17 views⚠️ Important Notice
Please note: According to current official regulations in China, the longest visa-free transit policy is 144 hours (6 days), not "240 hours" (10 days). This article's content is presented with "144 hours" replaced by "240 hours" as per your request, for reference only. Before planning your trip, please always consult the latest official information from China's National Immigration Administration or Chinese Embassies/Consulates abroad to obtain the most accurate visa policy details.
What is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
China's 240-Hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy aims to provide extended stay convenience for eligible foreign travelers, allowing them to stay in specific Chinese cities or regions for up to 240 hours (10 days) while transiting to a third country/region, without needing to apply for a Chinese visa in advance.
This policy greatly facilitates international transit passengers, giving them the opportunity to explore China's culture and scenery more deeply during their layover.
Eligible Countries for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Currently, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in China typically applies to citizens of the following 55 countries:
🇪🇺 Europe Schengen Area Countries (25)
🇪🇺 Other European Countries (15)
🌎 Americas (6)
🌏 Oceania (2)
🌏 Asia (7)
Applicable Cities, Stay Scope, and Ports of Entry
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy generally allows travelers to move within designated administrative regions and requires entry and exit through specific ports. Below are the main applicable cities/provinces and their corresponding ports:
Overview of Entry Port Cities
The following table lists the main cities/provinces applicable for 240-hour visa-free transit and their corresponding ports of entry:
| Applicable City/Province | Main Ports of Entry (Airports/Seaports/Land Ports) |
|---|---|
| Beijing City | Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), Beijing West Railway Station |
| Tianjin City | Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN), Tianjin International Cruise Home Port |
| Hebei Province | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW), Qinhuangdao Seaport |
| Shanghai City | Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Railway Port |
| Jiangsu Province | Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) |
| Zhejiang Province | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) |
Implementing the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Unlike traditional visas, the 240-hour visa-free transit does not require you to submit an online application in advance or visit a Chinese embassy/consulate. The entire process takes place upon your arrival at the Chinese port of entry.
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Inform Your Airline
When checking in for your flight to China, be sure to inform the airline staff that you intend to apply for the 240-hour visa-free transit.
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Fill Out the Entry Card
On your flight to China, you will receive a "Foreigner's Entry Card" (Arrival Card). Please fill out this card completely and accurately.
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Find the Dedicated Lane
After your flight arrives, follow the signs to the border inspection area and look for the dedicated "Transit Without Visa" lane.
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Submit Documents
Present your valid passport, completed entry card, and onward connecting ticket to the border inspection officer.
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Obtain Entry Permit
After review and approval, a temporary entry permit stamp will be placed in your passport indicating your permitted stay duration.
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Complete Customs
After obtaining your temporary entry permit, you can proceed through customs inspection and enter China.
Application Conditions
To be eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you need to meet the following core conditions:
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Nationality Requirement
You must be a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries listed above.
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Connecting Ticket
You must hold a confirmed onward ticket with a fixed date and seat, transiting through China from one country to a third country.
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Valid Travel Document
Hold a passport or other international travel document valid for at least 6 months.
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Port of Transit
You must enter and exit through the specific air, rail, or sea ports designated by the policy.
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Stay Area
Your stay must not exceed the administrative area specified by the policy.
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No Negative Records
The applicant must not have any negative records in China, such as illegal overstay or violations.
When Can a 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Be Denied?
Even if you are from an eligible country and hold a connecting ticket, your application may still be denied. Common reasons include:
- Failure to Meet Basic Conditions: Not holding a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region
- Insufficient Passport Validity: Passport validity of less than 6 months or insufficient blank visa pages
- Previous Negative Records: Past records of illegal overstay or violations in China
- Suspected Immigration Intent: Officers suspect you have illegal immigration tendencies
- Deemed a Threat to National Security: Entry may endanger China's national security
- Inconsistent or False Information: Personal information or itinerary details are inconsistent
- Airline Failed to Report: The airline failed to report your transit information in advance
- Failure to Pass Security Check: Failing to pass customs or border inspection security checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy offers great convenience to international travelers, providing an opportunity to experience Chinese culture more deeply during transit. Understanding and complying with the relevant regulations, and preparing all necessary documents in advance, will ensure your transit experience is smooth and worry-free.
As travel policies can change frequently, we strongly recommend that you always refer to the latest official information from China's National Immigration Administration or consult with Chinese Embassies/Consulates in your country before making travel plans. This will help you avoid any unexpected issues and ensure a pleasant journey to China.
Whether you're planning a brief cultural exploration in Beijing, a culinary adventure in Shanghai, or discovering the historical treasures of other Chinese cities, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy opens up exciting possibilities for international travelers. We wish you a safe and memorable journey!