China makes travel easier for foreigners. Learn about 24-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit, new airports, transfer rules and traveler requirements

China continues to ease travel for foreigners and expand its openness policy. After increasing the permitted visa-free transit period to 240 hours at the end of 2024, the country announced a new wave of important changes in November 2025. These include additional airports accepting transit travelers, an expansion of the 24-hour transit program, and new rules for travel between mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Here’s how the updated rules work and who might need them.

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24-hour transit to China

China offers a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from all countries, including citizens of Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, the Dominican Republic and Kyrgyzstan, who have a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. To take advantage of this policy, you must remain at the transit port or airport for the full 24 hours.

Important! If you wish to leave the airport, you must apply for a temporary entry permit.

How to qualify for 24-hour visa-free transit?

Tourists who meet the following requirements are eligible for visa-free transit:

1. Have valid travel documents: You need a passport suitable for international travel.

2. Have confirmation of onward travel: You must have a confirmed ticket for a connecting flight to a third country or region.

3. Stay for 24 hours: Your stay in China cannot exceed 24 hours.

4. Stay in the transit area: You are usually required to stay at the airport, if you wish to leave the port area, you will need to apply for a temporary entry permit.

How to Apply for a 24-Hour TWOV Transit in China: Step-by-Step Instructions

Upon arrival at one of the participating Chinese airports, travelers who qualify for TWOV can complete the 24-Hour Transit procedure in a few simple steps:

Step 1 – Inform the airline during check-in that you plan to use the 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit option.

Step 2 – Proceed to the special transit area at the airport designated for TWOV passengers.

Step 3 – Fill out the arrival/departure card, which is issued at the border control counter.

Step 4 – Obtain a temporary permit – a sticker or stamp confirming your right to transit. This is issued directly at the control counter.

Step 5 – Collect your luggage and go through customs, if necessary, according to your itinerary.

The 24-hour visa-free transit is completely free of charge. However, it is important to have all the necessary documents at hand – especially if you plan to leave the transit area or change terminals.

How is the 24-hour transit time calculated?

The 24-hour transit period starts from the moment you arrive in China and ends at the time of departure of the next flight.

If the transfer is delayed beyond the specified time – for example, due to a flight delay or schedule change – the traveler must immediately notify the airport immigration services.

If this requirement is ignored, fines or other liability measures are possible, so it is important to monitor the time of stay and promptly inform border authorities of any changes.

Which airports in China offer a simplified visa-free transit procedure in China?

China's busiest airports, which receive thousands of transfer passengers every day, have special simplified rules in place to make the transfer more comfortable. The Chinese government has introduced a free 24-hour transit option that does not require immigration control as long as the passenger does not leave the international departure area.

This procedure is available at nine major airports:

- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).

- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).

- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).

- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH).

- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

- Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX).

- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN).

- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY).

From November 5, 2025, the list of airports where you can use 24-hour visa-free transit has been expanded to ten more international hubs:

- Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN).

- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC).

- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG).

- Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC).

- Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO).

- Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH).

- Nanning Wusu International Airport (NNG).

- Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK).

- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG).

- Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)

10-Day (240-Hour) Visa-Free Transit in China

Travelers transiting through China are allowed to stay in the country for a certain period of time. However, this right is only available to nationals of 55 specific countries who enter the country through any of 65 designated ports in 24 provinces. Visitors can wait up to 240 hours for their next flight. The policy is expected to boost tourism and business.

Which countries are eligible for China’s 10-Day Visa-Free Transit?

To obtain this visa exemption, a foreign citizen must hold a valid passport from one of 55 countries, namely:

- 25 countries in the Schengen area of ​​Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

- 15 other countries in Europe: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco and Belarus.

- Six countries in the Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.

- Two countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

- Seven Asian countries: Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Indonesia.

240-hour visa-free transit expanded to more ports

China has expanded its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program by adding five more ports in Guangdong province. The total number of ports where such transit is available has increased to 65 ports in 24 provinces.

Travelers from 55 countries can now enter China through designated ports and stay in China for up to 10 days for tourism, business or family visits.

New ports added to the program:

- Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal

- Hengqin Port

- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Port

- Zhongshan Passenger Port

- West Kowloon Station - Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-Speed ​​Rail Port

Requirements for a traveler to receive visa-free transit

In order for a foreigner to be entitled to visa-free transit, a number of requirements must be met:

- Have a valid passport.

- Travel through China in transit to a third country.

- Arrive or depart through one of the 65 approved ports.

Important! You must have a ticket to a third country to confirm transit.

The visa-free transit policy changes the situation for international travelers, as it allows you to enjoy all the beauties of China while traveling to a third country.

When can visa-free transit be denied?

China's border and immigration authorities may not grant temporary entry permission under visa-free transit if any of the following reasons apply:

- Prohibition of entry into China established by national laws or administrative regulations.

- The passport is invalid or has an insufficient validity period – less than three months, as well as if the document contains marks of a previous refusal to issue a Chinese visa.

- Violations during previous trips: illegal entry, exit, residence or work in China within the last five years.

- Serious violations of the rules of residence registration within the last two years.

- No onward route – visa-free transit is allowed only for those traveling to a third country.

- Visa-free transit does not apply to crew members of international aircraft and ships and their relatives.

What should you consider before a 240-hour transit?

During your stay, you must comply with all Chinese laws, do not exceed the established time limit and do not leave the permitted stay area.

If you are staying at a hotel, the administration will independently register with the local public security department. It is important to note that not all hotels accept foreigners - it is worth clarifying this in advance.

If you are staying in a private accommodation, you and your host must register your stay with the police within 24 hours. You will need your passport, proof of address and documents of the host. In some cities, online registration is available. Ignoring this requirement may create difficulties during official procedures.

In the event of force majeure, when you need to stay longer than 240 hours, you should contact the immigration department of the local public security bureau to apply for the appropriate permit.

Violation of the rules - going beyond the permitted area, exceeding the transit period or not registering - may result in fines and other sanctions.

The expanded visa-free transit system for 24 and 240 hours makes China accessible for short stops and trips without the need to apply for a tourist visa. A large number of ports and regions allow you to choose the most convenient route and enjoy China while traveling to a third country.

The “Tourist Guide” from Visit World will help you prepare for your trip and make your trip safe and comfortable. It contains step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa, information about the visa fee, application processing times and examples of filling out the application form. The guide also contains useful life hacks, travel tips and a complete list of required documents.

Purchase the guide on the Visit World portal and plan your trip without unnecessary worries!

Reminder! China extends its visa-free regime for 46 countries until 2026. We have already told you who is entitled to enter, what documents are required and what to do if your country is not on the list.

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