China Transit Visa: How to Stay Visa-Free for Up to 10 Days (2025)
Disclaimer: This information is correct as of November 2025 and we will endeavour to keep this article up to date. However Chinese policies can change quickly so it’s best to double check the latest or get in contact with us for more help planning your trip.
Explore China up to 10 days without a visa!
What is China’s Visa-Free Transit (China Transit Visa)
The China transit visa is a visa-free policy that lets travellers from certain countries stay in designated Chinese cities and provinces for a limited time while in transit to a third country. With this exemption you can stay for up to 10 days (240 hours), making it perfect for short-term visitors.
Who is Eligible for the China Transit Visa Free Stay?
Not all travelers can take advantage of the China transit visa policy. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be in transit to a third country (your final destination cannot be China or your country of origin).
You must have a confirmed onward flight/train/boat ticket to a third country.
You must hold a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries (includes the UK, US, Canada, check the latest list as it may change over time).
You must have at least 3 months validity left on your passport.
You must enter and exit through one of the 60 designated ports that offer the transit visa exemption.
Which Cities & Regions Offer the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit in China
China’s transit visa-free policy is available in various cities and provinces. These include but are not limited to:
Beijing – Perfect for exploring the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
Shanghai – A vibrant metropolis with world-class dining and shopping.
Guangzhou – A cultural hub with delicious Cantonese food.
Chengdu – Home of the adorable giant pandas.
Xian – Where you can see the famous Terracotta Warriors.
For a full list, please get in contact with us or check the National Immigration Administration website
How to Use the China Transit Visa Free Policy (Step-by-Step)
The process is straightforward:
Book your flights with an onward ticket to a third country.
Prepare your documents, including your passport and flight itinerary.
Inform your airline before departure that you intend to use the transit visa exemption.
Upon arrival, go to the immigration counter, fill in the arrival card and apply for the visa-free stay.
Receive approval and enjoy up to 10 days of exploring China!
Things to Keep in Mind When Using China’s Transit Visa Free Policy
You must remain within the allowed areas across 24 provinces during your stay. Foreign nationals entering China through the visa-free transit policy can make cross-province travels within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travellers.
The policy does not apply to all airports, so confirm that your entry point qualifies.
If you overstay the allowed period, you may face fines or penalties.
Help From Us
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China Transit Visa – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the China transit visa (visa-free transit policy)?
China’s transit visa—also known as visa-free transit—allows eligible travellers to enter China for a short stay without applying for a full tourist visa. Depending on the city, this stay can be 24 hours, 72 hours, 144 hours, or up to 10 days (240 hours).
2. Who qualifies for China’s visa-free transit?
Eligibility depends on your nationality, your entry airport, and whether you are travelling onwards to a third country. Many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore qualify. The UK and US can also use the policy as long as they meet the onward-flight requirement.
3. Can UK or US travellers use the China transit visa?
Yes. UK and US travellers can use the 240-hour transit visa-free policies, provided they are flying to a third country.
Example:
✔️ London → Shanghai → Tokyo
✘ London → Shanghai → London
4. How long can I stay in China on a transit visa?
240 hours = 10 days
The 240-hour period starts at 00:00 on the day following your entry into China. For example, if you enter Shanghai at 7:00 on January 3rd, your 240-hour stay begins at 00:00 on January 4th, and you must leave China before 23:59 on January 13th.
5. Do I need to apply in advance for the China transit visa?
No. There is no need to apply in advance.
You simply show your confirmed onward flight and complete the arrival card when entering China.
6. Do I need to stay in the same city during visa-free transit?
No, you are now able to move between different areas and cities. However you can’t go everywhere in China and you should check the list or ask Eventurus first.
7. What if my flight is delayed and I overstay?
If your delay causes an overstay, report to airport immigration immediately. They may issue a temporary stay permit or adjust your entry permission.
8. Can I use visa-free transit on a return ticket?
Only if your return flight goes to a different country.
Transit requires:
Country A → China → Country B
9. Which airports offer 240-hour visa-free transit?
Major airports include:
Shanghai PVG / SHA
Beijing PEK / PKX
Guangzhou CAN
Chengdu TFU
Chongqing CKG
Xi’an XIY
This list continues to expand.
10. Does Hong Kong or Macau count as a third destination?
Yes. Both Hong Kong and Macau count as “third regions,” meaning they qualify for onward-transit destinations.
11. Can I book separate flight tickets for visa-free transit?
Yes, separate tickets are allowed as long as you can present proof of an onward flight out of China within the required timeframe.
12. What documents do I need on arrival?
Valid passport
Completed arrival card
Confirmed onward flight
Accommodation details
Third-country destination
You may also be asked for proof of sufficient funds.
13. Can I use transit visa-free rules for a full holiday?
You can only stay for up to 10 days.
For anything longer, you’ll need to apply for a tourist (L) visa.
14. Can Eventurus help plan a transit itinerary in China?
Absolutely. We specialise in creating customised short-stay and transit itineraries for travellers using China’s visa-free transit policy.
