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.
I was very impressed by Heihe City in Heilongjiang. It is not only a busy port city, but also has a long history. If you have a travel plan in Heilongjiang, you must arrange it. 😄. [❓What to do] 🔹The other side of Heilongjiang is the Russian city of Bu. The two cities are across the river, so there are many Russian tourists. 🔹The tour can be divided into two parts: the urban area and the ancient city of Aihui. The ancient city is 33 kilometers away from the urban area. 🔹If you arrange a 2-day itinerary, you can play all of them. You can also go to the Russian city of Bu on the other side. You need to apply for a visa at the Heihe port. .  [👣Heihe 2-day tour] ⭕Day① 🔹Cultural Street Morning Market (6-9 o'clock) You must come and experience it. You can eat a lot for 10 yuan. There are also Russians visiting on weekends. 🔹The Memorial Hall of Overseas Chinese in Russia Heihe has a long history and there are many memorial halls of various sizes. You can get a stamp here .  🔹Mother Square After seeing the sculpture, walk 100 meters east, check in at the boundary marker, and eat soy ice cream🍦 .  🔹Heihe Chamber of Commerce (take a break at noon, don’t go empty-handed) The building is very distinctive, and there are many old objects inside . 🔹Aihui Tengchong China Population Geographical Boundary Park You can make up for the geography class here~ take photos and check in📸 .  🔹Daheihe Island Here is the tallest national flag in the country🇨🇳The flagpole is 56 meters high, very impressive! You can take a boat tour on the riverside, and you can see the "Arc de Triomphe" of Russia on the opposite side (very ironic🙄) If there was no Aihui Treaty, the other side of Heilongjiang would all belong to us‼ ️ .  🔹Epinduo It is a huge Russian food supermarket that can send express delivery. There are many things and the prices are more expensive than online😂It feels like it is full of tourists. It is quite interesting to visit . 🔹Youyi Road Night Market All kinds of roadside snacks, everything, there are tables and chairs to sit and eat, very fireworks  ⭕Day② 🔹Aihui Ancient City 30 kilometers away from the city . 🔹Aihui History Exhibition Hall The signing place of the Sino-Russian Aihui Treaty, a national first-class museum. It is worth a visit for those who like history, and it is also suitable for middle school students to have a deeper understanding of this period of history and study hard to build the motherland✊🏻 . 🔹Zhiqing Museum There are many museums in Heihe, all of which are free .  [🍛What to eat] When you come to Heihe, you must eat hungry meals. There are three more famous ones: 🔹Delok Russian Western Restaurant 🔹Amur Western Restaurant 🔹Lena Western Restaurant (the one we ate at) It tastes good and tastes different from what you eat in Beijing~ . [🏨Where to stay] 🔹It is better to live by the river, facing the Heilongjiang River, with a wide view and affordable prices . [👕Clothing] 🔹It has been almost 0 degrees at night since October~  📍Heihe, a not-so-big port city, is really special. It's worth a visit~ There is also a self-driving guide from Yichun, Heilongjiang to Xiaoxing'anling on the homepage~ Welcome to check it out~🥰 If you have any questions👇🏻, please tell me in the comment section
Friends who are visiting Zhoushan for the first time, be sure to read this article before setting off! One picture will give you a quick understanding of Zhoushan Island. If you only have 2-3 days off, choose any route! If you want to visit several islands, it will take at least 1 week~  ✅Zhoushan Islands·4 classic routes ❶Shengsi Islands route: Huaniao Island, Gouqi Island, Shengshan Island, etc. ❷Dongji Islands route: Miaozihu Island, Qingbang Island, Dongfushan Island, etc. ❸Zhoushan Main Island-Zhujiajian Island-Putuoshan Island ❹Zhoushan Main Island-Xiushan Island-Daishan Island-Qushan Island (niche)  ✅Must-visit attractions 📍Shengsi Islands ✔️Liujingtan to watch the sunrise, Jihu Beach to watch the sunset ✔️Dabei Mountain, the highest point of the island🉑️Overlooking the entire island ✔️Donghai Wuyu Village, Bianjiaoao Village, colorful villages  📍Goji Island + Shengshan Island ✔️Dongya Cliff to watch the sunrise ✔️Mountain and sea wonders Watch the sunset 📍Dongji Island (consisting of several small islands, accessible by bus and boat) ✔️Miaozihu Island: Dongji Pavilion, Dongji History and Culture Museum, etc. ✔️Qingbang Island: Potala Palace on the Sea, Lisbon Mud Ship Ruins, etc. ✔️Dongfushan Island: Sun Viewing Platform, Elephant Trunk Peak, East China Sea First Post Lighthouse  📍Putuoshan Island (do not go back/P2) ✔️Scenic Area Pier-Puji Temple-Huiji Zen Temple-Fayu Zen Temple-Shancai Cave-Nanhai Guanyin Buddha-Scenic Area Pier ✔️Island transportation: bus, cable car, hiking ✔️Temple requires 🎫, only cash 💰  ✅Travel Tips 👉Booking tickets: at least 1 day in advance for daily trips and 3 days in advance for holidays; 🔍Ziyoubao, Zhoushan Haixing Ship, Dongji Shipping, Shengsi Passenger Transport, Xingputuo, all can be booked 👉Travel time: May-October (peak tourist season), May-June (most likely to encounter blue tears), July-September (peak typhoon season), October-April of the following year (freshest seafood) 👉Shengsi Islands transportation: direct departure from Shanghai, the shortest distance to the island and convenient transportation; Shanghai self-driving tour navigation "Shenjiawan Wharf" and then take a boat to the island
Qingdao, ￥1400 per person! Qingdao is also very cool in summer, make arrangements! · 📝 | Four days and three nights itinerary Day-1️⃣: Zhanqiao→Catholic Church+Qingdao Study→Xinhaoshan Park→University Road→Taidong Pedestrian Street Day-2️⃣: Zhongshan Park→Badaguan Scenic Area→Second Bathing Beach Day-3️⃣:  Xiaomai Island→Yanerdao Mountain→Olympic Sailing Center→May Fourth Square Light Show Day-4️⃣: Xiaoqingdao Park/Lu Xun Park→Return  💰 💸￥1400 per person Traveling alone Guangzhou ⇔ Qingdao ✈️Air ticket: ￥650/person 🏠B&B: ￥300/person 🍲Food+small transportation+tickets: 450/person · ⚠️ | Travel guide yi𝚒𝚙𝚜: 🛵Transportation: Didi Taxi+Metro and bus. Download the app "Qingdao Metro" and scan the code to pass the gate. Add "Qindaotong Electronic Card" (public transportation) to Alipay. 🍱 Food: Pichayuan is not very delicious, there are many snacks to choose from in Taidong Pedestrian Street~ #Chuan Xiao Xian Seafood Ranch (Wu Si Square Store） The price is affordable and cheap, the ingredients are fresh and delicious! There are long queues every day and the business is very popular! ⛳️ | Attractions Guide: ⛳️/Ranking in no particular order/ 1️⃣Laoshan Scenic Area: Package ticket ￥130 | If you have time, you can go. It is far from the city, but the scenery is very good🚡~ 2️⃣ #Yanerdao Mountain Park: Free | Highly recommend Qingdao Little Jeju Island! Figure 2 The Internet celebrity cave is across the road from "Qingdao Seaview Garden Hotel" 3️⃣ #Xiaomai Island Park Highly recommended! Qingdao Little Kenting is a wallpaper at random! 4️⃣ #Xinghaoshan Park "The Best of Us" Spring Outing Location! 360° panoramic view of Qingdao! 5️⃣ #Zhanqiao: Free | Near Qingdao Station, there are seagulls from November to April of the following year, but no seagulls and many people at other times 6️⃣Badaguan Scenic Area: Package ticket ￥20 | You can visit for 2-3 hours, and the "Second Bathing Beach" is on the way to the beach, and the sunset is a must-see 7️⃣May Fourth Square/Olympic Sailing Center: May Fourth Square has a light show at night 8️⃣Zhongshan Park: Free | March to May is the cherry blossom season (very beautiful), and there is a chrysanthemum exhibition in autumn. You can come or not at other times 9️⃣ #Qingdao Catholic St. Michael's Cathedral: ￥10 | Qingdao Study + Jieyou Grocery Store is right next to the church 1️⃣0️⃣ #Qingdao Taidong Snack Street National standard 👏🏻Moonlight Legend/Slap Wonton/Stinky Tofu/No. 1 Songhe Road/Fresh Vermicelli Road·Roasted Vermicelli
🚃Transportation Guide  🚄High-speed rail: High-speed rail/trains from various places arrive at Beidaihe Station and Qinhuangdao Station ✈️Airplane: Fly to Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Airport from various places, and take the airport bus after exiting the station  📝My route 💃Day 1: Beidaihe Station➡️Biluo Tower➡️Shanhaiguan➡️Laolongtou➡️Ledao Beach➡️Qinhuang Alley  💃Day2: Dove Nest➡️Sea and Sky➡️Shanshuiwan Bathing Beach➡️Wildlife Park➡️Golden Bay Beach  💃Day3 Tiger Stone Park➡️Xianluo Island Park➡️Cat's Sky City➡️Cloud Swing➡️Aranya   🍲Food Recommendations 🉑Huiji Mung Bean Cake🉑Qinglongshui Tofu🉑Shanhaiguan Hunguo🉑Shimen Walnut🉑 Great Wall pancakes🉑Lulong vermicelli🉑Shanhaiguan cherry🉑Fried stew🉑Changli scallops🉑Four steamed buns🉑Grilled fish fillet🉑Steamed seafood🉑Shrimp dumplings  🌅A place to watch the sunrise and go to the beach ✅Jinmeng Bay✅Shanshui Bay Bathing Beach✅Dove Nest Park ✅Tiger Rock✅Sea and sky are one color✅Xigang Garden  📷Check in and take photos ✅Dove Nest Park: It is the best place to watch the sunrise🌅The scenic spot "Red Sun Bathing in the Sea",🉑Experience going to the beach and check in the seagulls🕊️Photos ✅Biluo Tower:🈶Reefs🪨Waves🌊Beach🏖️Sunlight💡Surfing Surfboards and other romantic elements of the seaside ✅Xianluo Island: a unique romantic sea cable car across the mountains and sea, take the cable car to see the seaside 🌄  🏠Accommodation 1️⃣Near Caochang: low cost, high cost performance 2️⃣Near Dove Nest/Beidaihe: closer to the sea 🌊 3️⃣Near Jinmeng Bay Circle: a real sea view room circle where you can see the sunrise in the house 🌅 4️⃣Haigang District: high cost performance, convenient travel, and many delicious foods 🍲  ⭐️Expenses 🈴Collect 574💰 🚞Beijing ➡️Qinhuangdao 62.5💰 Accommodation 75💰 (after two people pay together) Food 200💰 Tickets 186.5💰 Travel 50💰 📖 Tips for visiting Qinhuangdao ✅ College students should remember to bring their ID and student ID cards, scenic spots are half price ✅ Wear red or light colors👗 Beach🏝️📷 Photo shoot
Tianjin not only has European-style buildings and scenery along the Seine River everywhere, but also can experience the movie scenes of Roman Holiday and historical traces of different periods. Come to Tianjin for a three-day and two-night tour in the summer and keep this guide❗️  Day1 Figure 2 [Route 1]  ✅Jin Street and Binjiang Road, pedestrian commercial streets in the style of the Republic of China ✅Porcelain houses and buildings made of porcelain are very beautiful, you can check in outside ✅The intersection of Shanxi Road and Chifeng Road is a very literary intersection with many literary shops ✅Xikai Church is the largest Romanesque building in Tianjin ✅Wudadao is known as the International Architecture Expo Garden, Minyuan Square must be checked in, see all kinds of Characteristic small Western-style buildings, those who don't like walking can take a carriage ✅Daguangming Bridge, Jiefang Bridge, Dagu Bridge, Beian Bridge, Jintang Bridge and each bridge in front of the St. Regis Hotel is like being on the banks of the Seine ✅Tai'an Daoanligan Church, the former Kailuan Mining Bureau Building and other Romanesque buildings ✅Jiefang North Road, the whole road is Gothic, Romanesque to Greek Classical style ✅Internet celebrity check-in spots Jinwan Square, Jiefang Bridge, Century Clock, super beautiful night view  ✅Italian style area, Italian style buildings, just walk around the main streets ✅Shizilin Bridge grandpa and aunt diving and swimming can be watched ✅Ancient Culture Street is the most festive place in Tianjin, with special food and intangible cultural heritage items ✅The landmark building of Tianjin Eye must be checked in, the night view is super beautiful  |Night view route Two ways to play, one is to go from Jinwan Square along the Haihe River to Tianjin Eye City Walk, and take beautiful photos while enjoying the night view. The second is to take a double-decker sightseeing bus or Haihe River cruise (it is strongly recommended to take a cruise after 7:30 pm)  Day2  Figure 2 [Route 2] ✅The Tianjin Museum has several national treasures that are worth visiting ✅Zhou and Deng Memorial Hall, where you can feel the style of the great men and learn about their lives ✅The water park is very large and you can take a cruise ✅The Tianjin Zoo has giant pandas, so those who like animals can go  Day3(P3) Figure 2 [Route 3]  Binhai Library-National Maritime Museum-Guanlanjiao Park-Dongdi Park - Mazu Cultural Park-Aircraft Carrier Theme Park  ✅Binhai Library, a popular library, those who like taking photos can come ✅National Maritime Museum is super large, known as the Forbidden City on the water, and a popular cafe ✅Guanlanjiao Park, Tianjin's Little Jeju Island, where you can watch the sunrise and sunset  ✅Dongdi Park, connected to Guanlanjiao and Mazu Park, 3KM coastline for cycling ✅Mazu Cultural Park, the world's tallest Mazu statue ✅From July 6 to September 1, there will be a large-scale fireworks show every Saturday and Sunday, which is worth seeing  About accommodation and food It is very convenient to stay near the attractions on the first day. You don't have to queue up in the northwest corner for breakfast. I reluctantly recommend Lao Zhangji Guobacai, which I secretly keep in Shengxianli, Hebei District, to everyone. For Tianjin cuisine, just choose a small restaurant in a halal restaurant