The 240-hour transit visa-free policy is an extension of the 144-hour transit visa-free policy. Foreign citizens who meet the requirements can stay in China for up to 10 days for legal activities such as tourism and business without applying for a visa.
Jon
I just came back from a trip to China, and I would like to share with you China's recently introduced visa-free policy for foreigners traveling to China. This is good news for friends who plan to travel to China.
China's 240-hour (i.e. 10-day) transit visa-free policy has brought great convenience to international travelers, especially those who need to transit in China and plan to stay in the city for a long time. With the acceleration of China's opening up to the outside world, the implementation of this policy has enabled many short-term travelers to move freely in China's visa-free cities. This article will explain China's 240-hour transit visa-free policy in detail, including applicable conditions, applicable cities, application procedures, common problems and other information, to help you easily plan and enjoy transit visa-free treatment.
The 240-hour transit visa-free policy, also known as the extended version of the 144-hour transit visa-free policy, means that foreign citizens who meet the conditions can stay in China for up to 10 days (240 hours) for tourism, business activities or other legal activities without applying for a Chinese visa. This policy applies to passengers passing through designated visa-free cities or regions, and must hold a valid ticket to a third country or region.
The latest 240-hour transit visa-free policy allows entry from any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China. These cities are usually China's international aviation hubs or important tourist destinations. According to the latest policy, the 24 provinces and cities applicable to the 240-hour transit visa-free policy include:
Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Hainan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan,
Transit visa-free personnel can stay across provinces for 240 hours in the permitted stay activity areas of 24 provinces (cities and regions).
To enjoy China's 240-hour transit visa exemption, passengers need to meet the following conditions:
240-hour transit visa exemption applies to citizens from some countries and regions recognized by the Chinese government. Including the following countries:
European countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus: Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway;
American countries (6): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico Argentina, Chile;
Oceania countries (2): Australia, New Zealand;
Asian countries (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
The passenger must hold a valid air ticket, and the destination should be a third country or region (excluding China), and the origin and destination of the ticket must be different from China.
The stay time cannot exceed 240 hours (i.e. 10 days). If the passenger's stay exceeds this time, he/she must apply for a visa and go through relevant procedures.
Passengers cannot request an extension of stay for other reasons (such as work, study, etc.). The 240-hour visa-free policy only applies to short-term stays in transit travel, and passengers must comply with the prescribed stay period.
Confirm eligibility in advance: Before departure, it is recommended that passengers confirm whether they are eligible for 240-hour transit visa exemption through the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. Generally, citizens from countries and regions on the visa exemption list can directly enjoy this policy.
Inform border inspection personnel upon entry: When arriving at a designated visa-free city in China, passengers need to indicate to border inspection personnel that they are eligible for 240-hour transit visa exemption and show a valid passport, air ticket and other relevant materials. Border inspection personnel will check your information and approve your entry.
Prepare relevant materials: When entering the country, passengers need to provide the following materials:
· Valid passport (valid for at least six months)
· Valid air ticket to a third country
· Complete entry and exit cards (if necessary)
· Other materials that may be required (such as hotel reservation confirmation, travel plan, etc.)
The 240-hour transit visa exemption policy mainly applies to the following activities:
Tourism:
Passengers can carry out sightseeing, cultural experience and other activities in designated visa-free cities to appreciate China's rich historical and cultural heritage.
Business activities:
Passengers can carry out some short-term business activities in visa-free cities, such as attending meetings, negotiating cooperation, etc.
Visiting relatives and friends:
If there are relatives and friends in China, passengers can visit them in visa-free cities, but they cannot work or carry out any profit-making activities in China.
Shopping and leisure:
Passengers can carry out shopping, leisure and other activities in visa-free cities in China, but they cannot engage in commercial trade or paid work.
Beijing, recommended attractions: Forbidden City, Badaling Great Wall, National Museum, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace and other tourist attractions.
Xi'an, recommended attractions: Xi'an City Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang, Huashan, Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and other tourist attractions.
Shanghai, recommended attractions: Yu Garden, North Bund, Lujiazui, Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower, Old Shanghai Style Street, Jing'an Temple, Longhua Temple, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and other tourist attractions.
Tibet, recommended attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Mount Everest, Tibet Museum, Drepung Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Mount Kailash and other tourist attractions.
Sichuan, recommended attractions: Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Daocheng Yading, Giant Panda Base, Leshan, Mount Emei and other tourist attractions.
Gansu, recommended attractions: Lanzhou, Bingling Temple, Mogao Grottoes, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Gannan, Tianshui Maiji Mountain and other tourist attractions.
There are too many fun places in China. If you have enough time, go to more places.
It is recommended to consult a reliable local travel company and plan your travel itinerary in detail.
If my flight destination changes, can I still enjoy transit visa exemption?
If the flight destination changes and no longer meets the requirements for transit visa exemption, you cannot enjoy the 240-hour transit visa exemption policy and must apply for a visa in advance.
Can I go to other cities?
Yes. From December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration will fully relax and optimize the transit visa exemption policy, extending the stay time of foreigners in transit visa exemption from the original 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours, while allowing cross-provincial travel within the specified area.
Do I need to provide proof of accommodation during the transit visa exemption period?
Depending on the requirements of different cities, some cities may require proof of accommodation such as hotel reservation confirmation, so it is recommended to book a hotel in advance and prepare relevant materials.
What happens if I stay for more than 240 hours?
If you stay for more than 240 hours during the transit visa exemption period, you may face a fine or be asked to leave the country. In serious cases, you may also be included in the bad record list.
How to confirm whether you meet the transit visa exemption conditions?
You can visit the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad to check the latest visa exemption list and policy details, or you can contact the embassy or consulate directly for consultation.