Discover China Visa-Free for Ten Days! Fifty-Five Eligible Countries for This 240-Hour Transit Policy Include United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, United States, Brazil And Others – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on December 29, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As of December 2025, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China has significantly broadened the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, now offering it to citizens from 55 countries. The policy allows travelers to stay in China without a visa for up to 10 days, provided they are transiting through the country to a third destination. This is a major shift in China’s tourism policy, enhancing access to the country’s rich cultural experiences and bustling cities.

The new rules are designed to encourage “slow travel,” giving visitors the opportunity to explore multiple regions of China within a week or more. With 65 key ports of entry available across 24 provinces, travelers can now freely move across provinces and immerse themselves in the country’s vibrant culture, history, and modern attractions.

The policy offers more flexibility than the previous 144-hour transit rule, extending the stay period and opening up new possibilities for international visitors. In this article, we will explore the eligible countries, key ports of entry, and important details you need to know to take advantage of this expanded visa-free policy in 2025 and beyond.

Who Is Eligible for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy applies to citizens from 55 countries, grouped by region. Notably, citizens from many of these countries also have access to China’s 30-day visa-free entry, which is often more flexible than the transit policy. This extension provides more opportunities for travelers from Europe, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Oceania to visit China for extended periods without the need for a visa.

Eligible Countries by Region

1. Europe (40 Countries):
   The majority of European countries benefit from the extended visa-free access, including those from the Schengen Area and the EU. The full list includes:
   • Schengen/EU: 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.
   • Other Europe: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
2. The Americas (6 Countries):
   Citizens of these countries can also enjoy the 240-hour visa-free transit in China. The list includes:
   • United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
3. Asia (7 Countries):
   A key region for this policy, with travelers from several major Asian countries benefiting from the visa-free transit, including:
   • South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia (added June 2025).
4. Oceania (2 Countries):
   • Australia, New Zealand.

These 55 countries are now part of a global shift in visa policy, enabling easier travel across China. This extended visa-free transit policy presents an excellent opportunity for both business travelers and tourists to explore Chinese cities and provinces without the need for a traditional visa.

Where Can You Enter China Under the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

The NIA has designated 65 ports of entry across China for travelers who wish to take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit. These ports of entry are located in key economic and cultural hubs throughout the country, providing access to major cities and popular tourist destinations. The following table summarizes the key regions and major ports of entry where you can enter China under the 240-hour visa-free policy:

These designated clusters encompass a broad range of regions in China, from the capital city of Beijing to the bustling ports of Guangdong and Shanghai, and even the more remote southwest hubs of Shaanxi and Yunnan. Each region offers a distinct experience, from ancient cultural sites to modern urban attractions, all easily accessible under the 240-hour visa-free policy.

Important “Transit” Rules for 2025-2026 Travelers

To successfully utilize the 240-hour visa-free transit, travelers must adhere to specific rules and requirements. These guidelines ensure that the travel experience is smooth and compliant with China’s immigration policies.

Key Transit Rules

1. Onward Ticket:
   Travelers must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (Country C), such as Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore. It’s important to note that a round-trip ticket (e.g., London → Shanghai → London) does not qualify for the 240-hour visa-free policy.
2. Stay Limitation:
   The 240-hour countdown begins at midnight (00:00) on the day following your entry into China. Therefore, travelers have exactly 10 days to explore the country under the transit policy.
3. Approved Activities:
   During the 240-hour stay, travelers can engage in tourism, business, and family visits. However, it’s important to remember that the policy does not permit working, studying, or engaging in professional journalism while in China.
4. Registration with Local Police:
   Travelers must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival, a process that is often handled automatically by hotels upon check-in.
5. Transit Rule of “A → B (China) → C”:
   To qualify for the visa-free transit, travelers must travel from Country A to China (B) and then onward to Country C, following the proper itinerary.

China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Certain Countries

In addition to the 240-hour visa-free transit, China has extended a 30-day unilateral visa-free entry for citizens from several countries, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia. This extension is a significant update and applies to Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Malaysia, among others, allowing travelers from these countries to stay in China for up to 30 days without needing a visa.

For travelers from these countries, the 30-day entry provides even more flexibility, removing the need for a third-country transit requirement entirely. This makes it easier for travelers to stay in China for a longer period, without the restriction of having to continue to another country within 10 days.

How to Qualify for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

To take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers must meet the following conditions:

1. Travel Route:
   Travelers must follow the “A → B (China) → C” rule, meaning they must be traveling from Country A (origin) through China (B) to a third country (Country C), such as Japan, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Round-trip tickets (e.g., London → Shanghai → London) are not eligible under this policy.
2. Onward Ticket:
   Travelers must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (Country C). This confirms that the traveler plans to leave China within the 240-hour window.
3. Stay Limitations:
   The 240-hour period starts at 00:00 (midnight) on the day following the traveler’s entry into China. This gives visitors a full 10 days to explore China under the transit policy.
4. Approved Activities:
   Travelers can engage in tourism, business, or family visits while in China. However, the visa-free policy does not allow work, study, or professional journalism.
5. Registration with Local Authorities:
   Travelers must register with local police (usually through their hotel) within 24 hours of arrival.

Why Is This Policy Important for Travelers?

China’s expanded 240-hour visa-free transit policy is a game-changer for international travelers, offering greater flexibility and ease of access to the country. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family purposes, this policy opens up a wealth of possibilities, allowing you to explore multiple provinces and experience China’s diverse culture, history, and modern developments.

By relaxing the visa requirements and expanding the number of eligible countries and ports of entry, China is making it easier than ever to visit the country and experience its vast offerings, from ancient cultural sites to modern attractions. The added 30-day visa-free entry for select countries further enhances this opportunity, encouraging travelers to explore China for longer durations without the need for a traditional visa.