The 240-hour visa-free transit policy lets eligible travellers pass through China for up to ten days while travelling from one country or region to a third. You need an eligible passport, an eligible port of entry, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and you must stay within the permitted area. It is not a general tourist visa.
This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Entry and payment rules change. We confirm the current rule for your passport and route in writing before you book.
The third-country rule
The route must genuinely transit China: you arrive from one country or region and depart to a different one. A return trip to the same country usually does not qualify. For example, London → Shanghai → Tokyo can work; London → Shanghai → London normally does not.
The onward ticket must be confirmed and should show a departure within the permitted period. Immigration officers may ask to see it, along with your accommodation and the address you will stay at.
Eligible ports and permitted areas
Not every port and not every region participates. The policy is limited to specific entry points and travel areas, which are updated from time to time. If you plan to leave the permitted area, you may need a regular visa instead.
We check the current port and area rules against official sources when we build a transit stop into an itinerary. Do not assume that because a city has an international airport, it is included.
At the airport
Follow the signs for the visa-free transit counter or ask an airline representative before immigration. Have your passport, onward ticket, hotel booking and a clear explanation of your route ready. Allow extra time for the process, especially at a first entry point.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave the airport on 240-hour transit?
If you qualify, yes — the policy is intended to allow a short stay in the permitted area, not just an airport layover. You must stay within the allowed region and depart to a third country or region within the permitted period.
Does a Hong Kong or Macau trip count as a third country?
Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration arrangements. Whether a route via Hong Kong or Macau qualifies depends on the current policy and how the trip is structured. We check the specific route before advising.
Can I work remotely on 240-hour transit?
The policy is for transit and short visits, not for work or study. Do not use it as a substitute for the correct visa if your purpose is employment or long-term study.
Send us your passport and route.
We will check the current rule and reply in plain English, usually within one working day.
Last updated: 1 November 2026. Rules can change; confirm before you travel.