Many travelers planning a trip to China have heard of China’s 240-hour transit without visa policy, but there is still considerable confusion about how it works and who qualifies.
Common questions include: Which countries are eligible? What counts as a “third country or region”? Which cities can I visit? Do I need to apply in advance?
This guide will explain what the 240-hour transit without visa policy is, who can use it, how it works, and the key restrictions and requirements you should know before traveling.
What Is China’s 240-Hour Transit Without Visa Policy?
The 240-hour transit without visa policy (TWOV) allows eligible foreign travelers to enter China through designated ports of entry and stay in approved regions for up to 240 hours (10 days) while traveling to a third country or region, without applying for a Chinese visa in advance.
The policy currently covers 24 provincial-level regions and multiple international ports of entry across China.
For example:
- United States → China → Japan
- Australia → China → Singapore
Who Is Eligible for the 240-Hour Transit Without Visa Policy?
To use the policy, you generally need to meet all of the following requirements:
- Your nationality is included in the list of countries eligible for the 240-hour transit without visa policy;
- You hold a valid passport (typically with at least three months of remaining validity);
- You have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region;
- Your stay in China does not exceed 240 hours (10 days);
- You enter and exit China through eligible ports covered by the policy.
Passport validity requirements may vary. Always check the latest official requirements before travel.
View the Official 240-Hour Transit Eligibility List
How to Use the 240-Hour Transit Without Visa Policy
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Make sure your nationality is included in the list of countries eligible for the 240-hour transit without visa policy.
Step 2: Book an Eligible Itinerary
Your itinerary must follow the format:
Country (Region) A → China → Country (Region) B
Where:
- Country (Region) A and Country (Region) B must be different;
- Hong Kong and Macau are generally treated as separate regions and may qualify as a third destination;
- Immigration authorities will primarily look at where you were immediately before entering China and where you will go immediately after leaving China.
In simple terms: Your destination after leaving China must be different from the country or region you were in before entering China.
Eligible itineraries
✔ United States → China → Japan
✔ Canada → China → Hong Kong
✔ United States → Japan → China → United States
✔ United States → South Korea → China → Singapore
✔ Australia → Thailand → China → Hong Kong
Not Eligible
✘ United States → China → United States
✘ Japan → China → Japan
✘ Canada → South Korea → China → South Korea
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
It is recommended that you prepare the following documents before departure:
- A valid passport;
- A confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region;
- Hotel reservations (if available);
- Your travel itinerary.
Step 4: Complete Immigration Procedures Upon Arrival
Upon arrival in China, inform the airline staff and immigration officers that you intend to enter under the 240-hour transit without visa policy.
You may be asked to present your passport, onward ticket, and other supporting travel documents. Follow the instructions provided by immigration officers and complete the required entry procedures.
Restrictions and Important Notes
- Not All Nationalities Are Eligible
Only citizens of countries covered by the 240-hour transit without visa policy can use it.
View the Official 240-Hour Transit Eligibility List
- Your Itinerary Must Meet Transit Requirements
Your itinerary must comply with the transit requirements of the policy.
- Your Stay Cannot Exceed 240 Hours
Eligible travelers may stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days).
Overstaying may result in fines, administrative penalties, or difficulties with future entries into China.
- 4. Travel Is Limited to Eligible Regions
The 240-hour transit without visa policy does not cover all parts of China.
During your stay, you may travel within the regions covered by the policy, including many of China’s most popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, and Lijiang.
However, some parts of China are currently not included in the policy. Before planning your itinerary, make sure your destinations are within the eligible regions.
View the official list of eligible regions and ports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. Eligible travelers generally do not need to apply in advance and can complete the required entry procedures upon arrival in China.
Yes. Eligible travelers may enter China and travel within the regions covered by the policy during their stay.
Yes. For the purposes of the 240-hour transit without visa policy, Hong Kong and Macau are generally treated as separate regions and may qualify as a third destination.
Generally, yes. As long as each trip meets all policy requirements, eligible travelers can usually use the policy multiple times.
No. The 240-hour period generally begins at 00:00 on the day after your arrival in China, which means your actual stay may be slightly longer than 10 days.
For example:
- Arrive in China on the afternoon of June 1;
- The 240-hour period begins at 00:00 on June 2.