How to Transit in China: China 24/240-Hour Visa Free Transit Guide

China Visa Free Policy - New Updates 2026

Trending China Transit Cities

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Dalian, Shenyang, Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing, Guangdong, Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, Guizhou Province

30 Day Visa-Free Entry to China

Compiled according to information released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China as of March 2026:

• Europe (35 countries):​
  Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
• Oceania (2 countries):​
  Australia, New Zealand
• Asia (7 countries):​
  Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea
• Americas (7 countries):​
  Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada, United States

Note:​ Nationals of the aforementioned countries can, with ordinary passports, enter China visa-free for purposes of business, tourism, visits to relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit, provided that their stay periods will not exceed 30 days. The duration of stay shall be calculated from 00:00 on the day following the day of entry.

What is 24-hour Visa-free Transit China?

China offers a convenient visa-free transit policy for travelers from various countries. Almost all foreign travelers passing through China to a third destination by plane, ship, or train are allowed a visa-free stay of up to 24 hours. So, if you're transiting through China to a third destination and your stay is less than 24 hours without leaving the port of entry, you typically don't need a visa.

However, if you need to leave the port, you'll require a temporary entry permit. For travelers from 55 countries, there's an extended 240-hour visa-free transit policy applicable at 60 ports across 24 provinces in China. These countries include Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, and many more.

55 Countries Eligible for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Specific policies may change. For the latest guidelines, please visit the official website of the Exit-Entry Administration.

Compare 24 V.S. 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China

*All information is from Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Please check here if want to explore more detail.

How to Apply 240 Hour Visa-Free Transit in China

Documents Required for China Visa-Free Transit

【Document for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit】

1. A valid passport from one of the 54 eligible countries that is more than three months from the arrival date.
2. An interline ticket (connecting ticket) with the confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 240 hours.
3. The landing card for foreigners in transit that is filled out upon arrival in China.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Process

【Valid Route】

Passengers traveling on a single return flight, such as Hong Kong to Shanghai and back to Hong Kong, are not subject to transit visa regulations if the destination and place of departure differ. For example:

• USA > Shanghai > Taiwan: Eligible for applying for a 240-hour transit visa in Shanghai.
• USA > Singapore > Shanghai > USA: Eligible for applying for a 240-hour transit visa in Shanghai.
• USA > Shanghai > USA: NOT eligible for applying for a 240-hour transit visa in Shanghai.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit 60 Ports

*All information is from Chinese Visa Application Service Center, Please check here if want to explore more detail.

Who Can Be Exempted from Submitting China Arrival Card?

How to Complete China Arrival Card Tutorial - New Updates Entry ...

Foreigners in the following seven categories are exempt from filling out the form:

1. Those holding a Permanent Resident Identity Card of the People's Republic of China;
2. Those holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents (non-Chinese citizens);
3. Those holding a group visa or meeting the criteria for group visa-free entry;
4. Those transiting directly across the border for 24 hours without leaving the designated port area;
5. Those entering and exiting the country by cruise ship and returning on the same cruise ship;
6. Those entering through the fast track, and foreign employees of inbound and outbound transportation vehicles, etc.

How to Enter China? Step-by-Step Guide

China Entry Requirements | Step 1: Complete Health Declaration

• Download WeChat and search for "海关旅客指尖服务" (Customs Pocket Declaration)
• Fill out the health form and save the QR code screenshot
• Valid for 24 hours (complete before or during flight)

China Entry Requirements | Step 2: Fill Out Arrival Card

Option A: Paper form (available on plane/at immigration)

Option B: Digital form

Previously, declarations were filled out on paper, and at a few airports like SHA, electronic forms were available. The declaration methods have been fully optimized and upgraded, and multiple electronic submission methods are now supported. Here are the detailed steps for declaration:

1. Visit the official website: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
2. Use the "Immigration Bureau 12367" APP
3. Search for "Immigration Bureau 12367" on WeChat (Alipay) mini-programs
4. Scan the official QR code to fill out the form

For foreigners unable to fill out the form online, they can scan the QR code or use on-site smart devices upon arrival at Chinese ports of entry to fill out the entry information online. Alternatively, they can still fill out the paper Foreigner Arrival Card. This is a very thoughtful approach.

Foreigners Exempt from Filling out the China E-Arrival Card

The following seven categories of foreigners are not required to complete the online health declaration form:

• Holders of a Permanent Resident Identity Card​ of the People's Republic of China.
• Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents​ (applicable to non-Chinese citizens).
• Holders of a group visa​ or those who meet the criteria for group visa-free​ entry.
• Travelers in 24-hour direct transit​ who do not leave the designated port area.
• Cruise ship passengers who enter and exit on the same voyage.
• Travelers entering through the fast track​ channel.
• Foreign crew members working on inbound and outbound transportation vehicles.

China Entry Requirements | Step 3: Fingerprint Registration (if required)

Who needs it:

• First-time visitors to China

Who's exempt:

• Children under 14/seniors over 70
• Diplomatic passport holders
• Those physically unable to provide fingerprints

China Entry Requirements | Step 4: Passport Control

1. Join "Foreigner" queue
2. Present: Passport, Visa (if required), Arrival card, Health QR code
3. Answer brief questions about visit purpose

China Entry Requirements | Step 5: Baggage Claim & Customs

1. Check screens for your flight's baggage carousel
2. Green Channel: Nothing to declare
3. Red Channel: Items to declare (cash >¥20,000, etc.)

Shanghai Express: Free Shanghai Layover Tour

What is Shanghai Express Free Layover Tour?

Shanghai Express is a free half-day layover tour designed to allow international travelers to explore the charm of Shanghai during their layovers or waiting times. Throughout the 5-6 hours layover tour, we provide transportation, guides, and internet services - all FREE of charge. Travelers will have the opportunity to visit the Bund, Yu Garden and other famous attractions in Shanghai, and to experience the city's history, culture, and cuisine.

What Free Service & Benefits You Can Get?

As proud sponsors, Trip.com Group is delighted to provide this shanghai layover tour for free. Don't worry about transportation, tickets, or internet access - we've got these covered so you can just focus on enjoying your time in Shanghai. Here are what we offer for free:

How to Join Shanghai Free Layover Tour?

【Who Can Join】

Currently, Shanghai Pudong International Airport allows visa-free entry for international travelers from certain countries and regions for up to 240 hours. For travelers from other countries and regions, if your country has signed a reciprocal visa waiver agreement with China or if you hold a 24-hour temporary entry permit issued by the airport border inspection, you're more than welcome to join us on this exciting adventure! Passengers eligible for the Shanghai Express must have a layover of at least 8 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

【How to Join】

【Meeting Point】

Please head to the Trip.com Group currency exchange counter on Island A in the 3F Departure Hall of Terminal 2 at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport (near Gate 21).

If you cannot locate the counter, please inquire with airport staff at the following address: 浦东机场T2航站楼3楼A岛（近出发层21号门）携程集团外币兑换柜台

Our guide will be available at the counter one hour before the start of the tour to assist with the registration process.

Currency Exchange meeting point, Trip.com Group

Beijing Express: Free Beijing Layover Tour

It is similar to Shanghai Layover tour for participating requirements. While the route and meeting point may be different by following below:

【Meeting Point】

Please head to T3C International Arrivals exit on the 2nd floor (next to the Manner coffee shop) of the Beijing Capital International Airport

If you cannot locate the counter, please inquire with airport staff at the following address: T3C二层国际到达出口manner咖啡店

Our guide will be available at the counter one hour before the tour.

【Tour Routes】

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