24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

All open exit-entry ports in China implement a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for nationals of all other countries around the world.

In line with global norms, China has implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from all other countries around the world at all of its accessible exit-entry ports. Foreign nationals holding valid international travel documents and interline tickets with confirmed seats, who intend to transit via China by international flights, ships, or trains to third countries or regions, are exempt from visa applications, provided that their stay periods in China will not exceed 24 hours and that they will remain within the corresponding ports. Those who plan to leave the ports shall apply for temporary entry permits at the exit-entry border inspection authorities of the corresponding ports.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

As of June 2025, 60 open ports to the outside world in 24 provinces (autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government) of China implement a 240-hour transit visa exemption policy for nationals of 55 countries. Holders of valid international travel documents and interline tickets with confirmed dates and seats within a specified timeframe may apply for transit visa exemption at the exit-entry border inspection authorities of Chinese cities designated for this policy. Upon approval, they will be granted temporary entry procedures, with the 240-hour visa-free period calculated from 00:00 hours on the day following entry. During their stay, visa-free transit travelers may engage in activities such as tourism, business visits, sightseeing, or family reunions, while those requiring prior authorization (e.g., work, study, press interviews) must obtain the relevant visas before entering China.