240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy
Travel through China without a visa for up to 144 hours (6 days) when transiting to a third country
The 240-hour (144-hour) transit visa-free policy allows citizens of eligible countries to stay in designated Chinese cities for up to 144 hours without a visa when transiting to a third country. This policy is perfect for travelers who want to explore China during a layover or multi-city trip.
Example
Sarah from the UK is traveling from London to Tokyo with a layover in Shanghai. She can stay in Shanghai for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, as long as she has a confirmed ticket to Tokyo and enters/exits through Shanghai.
Valid Passport
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date
Onward Ticket
Confirmed ticket to a third country (not your country of origin)
Entry/Exit Points
Must enter and exit through the same designated city
Time Limit
Maximum stay of 144 hours (6 days) in the designated area
Beijing
144 hoursShanghai
144 hoursGuangzhou
144 hoursChengdu
144 hoursChongqing
144 hoursDalian
144 hoursShenyang
144 hoursQingdao
144 hoursXiamen
144 hoursWuhan
144 hoursKunming
144 hoursXi'an
144 hoursHarbin
144 hoursChangsha
144 hoursGuiyang
144 hoursNanjing
144 hoursHangzhou
144 hoursJinan
144 hoursFuzhou
144 hoursShijiazhuang
144 hoursSame City Entry/Exit
You must enter and exit through the same designated city. You cannot enter through Beijing and exit through Shanghai.
Third Country Requirement
Your onward destination must be a third country, not your country of origin. US → China → Canada is valid, but US → China → US is not.
Restricted Areas
You can only travel within the designated city and its surrounding areas. Travel to other provinces requires a regular visa.
Multiple Entries
You can use this policy multiple times, but each stay is limited to 144 hours and must be in a designated city.
China's National Immigration Administration: Transit Visa Policies