2025 China 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy

2025 China's 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy 

China has long been a popular tourist destination, though its visa application process can sometimes seem complicated. Fortunately, with the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers can stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa, making it easier to explore the country. You can also travel across provinces within the permitted areas in 24 regions to do things like sightseeing, business, or visiting family.

Table of Contents

• What Is the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy?

• Popular Visa-Free Transit Destinations in China

• 54 Eligible Countries for Visa-Free Transit

• Northern China's Visa-Free Transit Destinations

• Southern China's Visa-Free Transit Destinations

• Visa-Free Entry vs. Visa-Free Transit in China

• FAQs

What Is the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy?

The 10-day visa-free transit policy, also known as the 240-hour visa-free policy, allows eligible travelers to enter 24 specific regions in China via an international flight or cruise and stay for up to 10 days, before departing for a third country.

Important: China must be a stopover, not your final destination. Travelers can cross provincial boundaries within the 24 designated regions during their stay.

• Examples of Valid and Invalid Itineraries:

  Itinerary 1: U.S.- Beijing - Guilin - Hong Kong √ Valid.

  Itinerary 2: Hong Kong - Sanya - Beijing  - Hong Kong × Invalid.

  Itinerary 3: Manila - Zhangjiajie- Manila× Invalid.

  Itinerary 4: Canada - Beijing - Shanghai - Hongkong. √ Valid.

  Itinerary 5: U.S. - Beijing - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai - Japan. √ Valid.

   

Eligible Nationalities for 10-Day Visa-Free Transit in China

You are eligible for the transit visa-free policy if you are from the following 54 countries or hold a passport from one of these countries:

• 3 countries in North America: United States, Canada, and Mexico

• 3 countries in South America: Brazil, Argentina, and Chile

• 40 countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, and Norway

• 2 countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand

• 6 countries in Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar

Popular Visa-Free Transit Destinations in China

Currently, China has 24 visa-free transit areas, covering 60 designated entry points. These areas include:

• Beijing & Xi’an (History & Culture)

• Shanghai (Modern Metropolis)

• Zhangjiajie & Yunnan (Natural Scenery)

• Chengdu (Home of Giant Pandas)

Northern & Southern China Visa-Free Destinations

Northern China

Southern China

Differences Between Visa-Free Entry and Visa-Free Transit in China

China's transit visa-free policy differs from the visa-free entry policy in certain aspects. Generally speaking, the visa-free entry policy covers a wider area and allows for a longer stay. However, the countries eligible for visa-free entry do not fully overlap with those eligible for visa-free transit. The specifics are listed below:

FAQs About the 10-Day China’s Visa-Free Transit Policy

1. What documents are required before entering China?

• A confirmed onward ticket to a third country (departure within 10 days)

• A completed Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners

• A passport with at least 3 months validity

2. How are the 10 days calculated?

• The count starts at 12:00 AM on the day after arrival.

• Example: If you arrive in Beijing at 2:00 PM on October 1, the official count starts from midnight on October 2, meaning you can stay until October 11 at 11:59 PM.

3. Can I visit Tibet under the visa-free transit policy?

• No, Tibet is not included in the visa-free transit regions.

• If eligible for visa-free entry, a Tibet Travel Permit is required, which can only be obtained through an authorized travel agency.

4. Does the visa-free policy allow you to work in China for a while?

During your stay, you can only engage in activities like tourism, business visits, and family visits. If you plan to work or study in China, you need to apply for a corresponding visa separately.

5. Will the 240-hour visa-free transit policy conflict with the mutual and unilateral visa-free policy?

Among the 54 countries that can enjoy the 240-hour visa-free policy, China has implemented a mutual visa-free policy or unilateral visa-free policy with some of them. For example, China and the UAE have a mutual visa-free policy, and China offers a unilateral visa-free policy to countries like France, Germany, and Italy.

So, if you are from these countries, you can flexibly choose the transit policy that suits you based on your actual stay duration and whether you need to go to a third country or region.

6. Under the policy, Can I enter the Chinese mainland by train from Hong Kong?

No, you can't. Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station can only serve as your exit port. You can take the train from the Chinese mainland to Hong Kong. On the contrary, taking the train from Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland is prohibited.

7. Can I travel across provinces with the policy?

Yes, that's correct. The 240-hour visa-free policy allows you to travel across 24 provinces and 1 autonomous region in China.

Important: China must be a stopover, not your final destination. 

Plan Your Visa-Free Trip to China!

From exploring Beijing’s Forbidden City to experiencing Shanghai’s modern skyline, China’s 10-day visa-free transit policy makes travel easier than ever. Start planning your journey today! 🚀🌏