China Visa-Free Travel Guide 240-Hour Transit + Full Visa-Free Entry
Your complete, up-to-date resource for China's visa-free policies. Transit for up to 10 days across 24 provinces โ or visit visa-free for 30 days if you hold a passport from one of 50 eligible countries.
Am I Eligible?
Check if you qualify for 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit
Important: "Transit Without Visa" (TWOV) Terminology
Officially, the Chinese government refers to this policy as Transit Without Visa (TWOV). While commonly called a "transit visa," it is NOT a visa. When checking in at the airport, you MUST tell airline staff that you are traveling under the "Transit Without Visa" (TWOV) program. Using the word "visa" can lead to airline staff incorrectly looking for a physical visa in your passport and denying you boarding.
Eligibility Checker
Choose which visa-free option you want to check
What would you like to check?
China offers two main visa-free options for eligible travelers
What is your nationality?
Select the country that issued your passport
Latest Visa-Free News
50 Countries Now Visa-Free for China Until December 31, 2026
China has expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to 50 countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and more. From February 17, 2026 until December 31, 2026, passport holders from these countries can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa โ no transit required! This is separate from the 240-hour transit policy.
240-Hour Transit Now 65 Ports (Updated May 2026)
China's 240-hour visa-free transit expanded to 65 ports in November 2025! New additions include Guangzhou, Zhuhai's Hengqin, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and West Kowloon Station. Travel across 24 provinces with 55 eligible nationalities.
240-Hour Transit DetailsIndonesia Added to Eligible Countries
Indonesian passport holders can now use the 240-hour visa-free transit, bringing the total to 55 eligible nationalities. Plan your transit through any of China's 65 open ports.
Check EligibilityWhy Visit China Visa-Free?
5,000 Years of History
From the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the Forbidden City โ explore ancient wonders without a visa.
World-Class Cuisine
Savor authentic Peking Duck, Sichuan hotpot, Cantonese dim sum, and street food you won't find anywhere else.
High-Speed Rail
Travel between cities at 350 km/h. Beijing to Shanghai in 4.5 hours, Shanghai to Hangzhou in under 1 hour.
Unique Experiences
See giant pandas in Chengdu, cruise the Li River in Guilin, or explore futuristic skylines in Shenzhen.
Save on Visa Fees
Regular Chinese visas cost $140+. The 30-day visa-free policy for 50 countries and 240-hour transit mean zero visa costs.
Easy Entry Process
Just bring your passport and onward ticket. No applications, no embassy visits, no waiting periods.
Transit Cities
Beijing
240 Hours ยท Full Province Access
The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and legendary Peking Duck. China's capital has 3,000 years of history.
Beijing Transit Guide
Shanghai
240 Hours ยท Full Province Access
The Bund, Yu Garden, futuristic skyline, and world-class shopping. China's most international city.
Shanghai Transit Guide
Guangzhou
240 Hours ยท Full Province Access
Authentic dim sum, Canton Tower, historic Shamian Island, and the famous Canton Fair.
Guangzhou Transit Guide
Xi'an
240 Hours ยท Full Province Access
Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter street food, and the Silk Road legacy.
Xi'an Transit Guide
Chengdu
240 Hours ยท Full Province Access
Giant Panda Research Base, fiery Sichuan hotpot, teahouse culture, and Jinli Ancient Street.
Chengdu Transit GuideReal Itinerary Examples
Perfect for 240-hour transit. Different origin and destination countries.
๐ก Canadian citizens: You can also visit visa-free for up to 30 days (no transit needed) until Dec 31, 2026.
Classic 240-hour route through Shanghai. Perfect for a 5-7 day stopover.
Hong Kong counts as a third country for transit purposes.
๐ก UK citizens: You can also visit China visa-free for up to 30 days (no transit needed) until Dec 31, 2026.
Compare Your Options
๐ก Pro tip: Citizens of 50 countries (including UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France) get the best of both worlds โ use the 30-day visa-free entry for direct trips, or the 240-hour transit if connecting through China to another destination.
Essential Travel Tips
Print Your Documents
Always carry printed copies of your passport, onward flight ticket, and hotel bookings. Immigration may ask for them.
Count From Midnight
The 240-hour countdown starts from midnight of your arrival day, not your actual arrival time. Plan accordingly.
Use High-Speed Rail
Book trains via trip.com or 12306.cn. Domestic flights within China are not recommended for transit travelers.
Download Essential Apps
Get Alipay, WeChat, Apple Maps, and a VPN before arrival. Cash is rarely used in China now.
Book Hotels in Advance
Not all hotels accept foreigners. Book through international platforms and confirm they accept non-Chinese guests.
Stay Within Provinces
Travel only within the 24 permitted provinces. Entering restricted areas (Tibet, Xinjiang) violates your transit permit.