Details of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners

With the further development of globalization, China has introduced more lenient visa policies, attracting the attention of the world. Since December 17, 2024, the transit visa - free stay period for foreigners in China has been extended from the original 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Meanwhile, 21 new ports have been added for visa - free entry and exit of transit passengers, and the stay area has been further expanded to allow cross - regional travel. That is to say, foreigners with transit visa exemption can travel across provinces within the permitted stay areas of 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government). So far, people from 54 countries can transit through China to a third country (or region), enter China visa - free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government), and stay within the specified area for no more than 240 hours. 

What are the conditions for foreigners to apply for transit visa - free?

1. Be a citizen of one of the 54 countries eligible for the transit visa - free policy.

2. Hold a valid international travel document with a validity period of not less than 3 months and meet the entry requirements of the third country (region).

3. Hold a confirmed - date and - seat through - ticket or relevant proof to the third country (region) within 240 hours, fill out the arrival card for temporary - entry foreigners, and accept the inspection and questioning by the immigration inspection authorities.

How is the 240 - hour transit visa - free time calculated?
For foreigners with a 240 - hour transit visa - free, the stay period is calculated from 0:00 of the next day after entry. For example, if a passenger enters China on May 18, 2025, the stay period starts from 0:00 on May 19, 2025. They can stay in the visa - free stay area for a maximum of 10 days, that is, they should leave the country before 24:00 on May 28.

Can I enter through one port and then exit through another after traveling?

Yes. The new 240-hour transit visa-free policy breaks through the restriction of staying in a single area. You can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government, and stay within the specified areas of these 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government). 

Note: During the stay in China with transit visa exemption, individuals can engage in activities such as tourism, business, visits, and family - reunions. However, activities that require prior approval, such as work, study, and news interviews, still necessitate obtaining a visa before coming to China.