The 144-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policies are designed to facilitate international travel for eligible travelers from specific countries, allowing them to explore certain Chinese cities and regions without the need for a visa.
This convenience is available to passport holders from a list of 55 designated countries, which includes most European nations, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as several Asian countries like Japan and South Korea. For instance, a traveler coming from the United States could fly into Shanghai and then continue their journey to Australia, enjoying up to six days in Shanghai without a visa.
However, it is important to note that travelers must ensure their itinerary adheres to the route requirement, meaning they cannot return to their country of origin during their stay in China, and the countries of origin and destination must be different. This policy not only streamlines travel processes but also encourages tourism, allowing visitors to experience the rich culture and attractions of cities like Shanghai and Beijing within the specified time frame.
Back to the overview of all China visas.
Who Qualifies
- Passport holders from 55 specified countries and regions (including most of Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, Brazil, Argentina, and more – see below for full list)
- Travelers transiting through eligible Chinese ports to a third country or region (not returning to the country of origin)
- Route must be: Country A → China (eligible city/region) → Country C (A and C must be different; Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate regions)
Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry
- Confirmed onward air, cruise, or train ticket with seat and date, departing within 144 or 240 hours of arrival
- Visa for the third country or region (if required)
- Must enter and exit through eligible ports within the permitted region
Eligible Regions and Ports
144-hour visa-free transit is available in:
- Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (including Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Tianjin Binhai, Shijiazhuang Zhengding, Qinhuangdao Beidaihe airports)
- Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region (including Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Nanjing Lukou, Hangzhou Xiaoshan airports, and several cruise ports)
- Guangdong province (Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, Jieyang Chaoshan airports)
- Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, Chongqing, Dalian, Shenyang, Harbin, Xi’an, Guilin, and more
240-hour visa-free transit is available in:
- Select cities and ports, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, for travelers on certain cruise itineraries or designated international routes
How the 144/240-Hour Period Is Counted
- The period starts at 00:00 on the day after your arrival in China, giving you up to 6 or 10 full days, depending on the policy.
Application Process
- Arrive at an eligible port in China with all required documents
- Inform airline staff at check-in that you intend to use the visa-free transit policy
- Upon arrival, proceed to the visa-free transit counter
- Present your passport, onward ticket, and Arrival/Departure Card
- Receive a temporary entry permit stamp or sticker in your passport
Permitted Area of Stay
- You need to stay within the area or city where you arrived, such as only in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei or just in Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang.
- Travel outside the permitted area is not allowed during your visa-free stay, which is a crucial aspect of the 144-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policies.
This means that travelers must remain within the designated cities or regions throughout their time in China. For instance, if you enter through Shanghai, you can explore the vibrant attractions of the city, such as the Bund, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Tower, but you cannot take a train or flight to other cities like Beijing or Guangzhou during your stay. It’s essential to carefully plan your itinerary to ensure that all activities are confined to the eligible areas.
Additionally, if you’re intending to visit nearby regions, such as Suzhou or Hangzhou, it’s important to note that these cities are allowed under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, provided you do not exit the designated Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region. Failure to adhere to this restriction may result in complications with your immigration status and could affect future travel plans.
Cost
- There is no fee for the 144/240-hour visa-free transit; it is not a visa but a free entry policy
Important Notes
- You must depart China within the allowed period and from an eligible port in the same region
- If your plans change and you need to stay longer or travel outside the permitted area, you must apply for a visa at the local Public Security Bureau
- If you lack any required document, your route does not qualify, or you have a record of overstaying or previous visa refusal, your application may be denied
- Always check the latest list of eligible countries and ports before travel, as policies may change
Differences vs. 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
| 144/240-Hour Transit | 24-Hour Transit |
|---|---|
| Only 55 countries | All nationalities |
| Limited to specific cities/regions and ports | Available in most Chinese cities/ports |
| Up to 6 or 10 days | Up to 24 hours |
| Must remain within permitted region | Multiple stops allowed if within 24 hours |
| Counted from 00:00 after arrival | Counted from scheduled arrival time |
Eligible Countries (55 Total)
As of June 2025, citizens of the following 55 countries can use China’s 144-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policies:
Europe (Schengen Area, 25 countries):
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Other Europe (15 countries):
Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus
Americas (6 countries):
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Oceania (2 countries):
Australia, New Zealand
Asia (7 countries):
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia (Indonesia added June 12, 2025)