Complete Guide to Visa-Free Transit in China

OlaChina, Updated on Dec 17, 2024

The newly updated transit visa exemption policy extends the stay period of foreigners in China from the original 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days), adding 21 new ports as entry and exit ports for transit visa exemption visitors, and further expanding the stay area. Eligible citizens from 54 countries including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, who transit through China to a third country (region), can enter China without a visa from any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities), and travel around for no more than 240 hours(10 days).

10-days Visa-Free Transit for visitors of 54 countries

Currently, 60 exit-entry ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government of China have implemented the 240-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from 54 countries, including Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Conditions for Visa-free Transit

Foreign nationals from these countries holding valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with information on confirmed dates and seats for transit via China to third countries or regions within specified time frames can apply for visa-free transits at the exit-entry border inspection authorities of the ports in the cities where the visa-free transit policies are in effect. The exit-entry border inspection authorities will then process their applications and grant temporary entry to the eligible foreign nationals. The duration of stay for each foreign national starts from 0:00 on the day following the day of entry.

Briefly speaking, if you meet the following conditions, then you are eligible to visa-free transit via China for 10 days.

• From one of above mentioned 54 countries
• Holds a international travel documents, like passport with at least 3 months validity, and eligible to visit a third country
• Proof of travel plan to a third country within 240 hours, such as flight tickets, and hotel reservations.

· 60 Ports Open for 240-hrs Visa-free Transit

Foreigners coming to China through the transit visa-free policy can travel across provinces within the permitted open areas of the above 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).

To learn more about these eligible ports, please visit the following wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_mainland_China

China’s visa-free transit policies make it easier for international travelers to explore the country during layovers or short stays. With 10-days transit exemptions available in 24 provinces, visitors can enjoy a hassle-free journey.

Reference link:
1. https://www.nia.gov.cn/n897453/c1688948/content.html
2. https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c156086/content.html