Can I leave the airport during the 240-hour transit?

Yes. The 240-hour transit policy allows you to exit the airport and travel within the designated administrative region (usually the entire province or municipality). You are not confined to the airport transit area.

Do I need a separate visa for Hong Kong or Macau?

Yes. Hong Kong and Macau maintain separate visa policies from mainland China. A visa-free transit to mainland China does not automatically grant entry to Hong Kong or Macau, and vice versa.

How do I calculate the 240-hour period?

The 240-hour countdown begins from midnight of the day after your arrival. For example, if you arrive at 3 PM on June 1, your 240-hour period starts at 00:00 on June 2 and ends at 24:00 on June 11.

Can I extend my stay beyond 240 hours?

Extensions are generally not permitted under the transit visa-free policy. If you need a longer stay, you should apply for a regular tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese embassy or consulate before travel.

What documents do I need at immigration?

You need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not your country of origin), and a completed arrival card. Some ports may also ask for hotel reservations.

Which airports offer the 240-hour transit policy?

The policy is available at all major international airports including Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Shenzhen (SZX), and over 40 other ports of entry.

China Visa-Free Countries 2026: Complete Guide for Travelers (2026) |

China has dramatically expanded its visa-free policies in 2025 and 2026. As of May 2026, citizens from over 40 countries can enter China without a visa for tourism or business — a significant increase from just a handful of countries a few years ago.

Overview of Current Policies

There are three main pathways for visa-free entry into China:

Mutual visa exemption agreements — bilateral agreements covering specific passport holders
240-hour transit visa-free policy — allows stays in designated cities for travelers transiting to a third country
Regional unilateral exemptions — special policies for Hainan, Pearl River Delta, and other regions

Countries with Full Visa Exemption

The following countries have mutual visa exemption agreements with China, allowing stays of 15 to 90 days depending on the agreement.

Country	Max Stay	Entry Type	Notes
Singapore	30 days	Mutual exemption	Unlimited entries per year
Malaysia	15 days	Mutual exemption	For tourism & business only
Thailand	30 days	Mutual exemption	Extended from 15 days in 2025
Kazakhstan	30 days	Mutual exemption	New agreement effective 2025
UAE	30 days	Mutual exemption	Unlimited entries
Qatar	30 days	Mutual exemption	Diplomatic & ordinary passports
Serbia	30 days	Mutual exemption	Visa-free since 2017
Bosnia	15 days	Mutual exemption	to tourism
Maldives	30 days	Mutual exemption	Signed 2025
Mauritius	60 days	Mutual exemption	One of the longest stays
Belarus	30 days	Mutual exemption	Including business travel
Armenia	90 days	Mutual exemption	Longest mutual exemption

240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy

The 240-hour (10-day) transit policy is the most flexible option for many travelers. You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.

Policy	Duration	Area Restriction	Eligible Nationalities
240-hour Transit	10 days	Designated cities only	54 countries
72-hour Transit	3 days	Single city only	54 countries
144-hour Transit	6 days	Designated region only	54 countries
Full Visa Exemption	15-90 days	Entire China	~15 countries

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Needs a Visa?

If your nationality is not listed above and you are not eligible for the transit policy, you will need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Processing typically takes 4-7 business days.

Always check the latest requirements with the Chinese embassy in your country before booking tickets, as policies can change with short notice.