Transit explainer

How does China visa-free transit work?

China currently has two transit answers that travelers mix together. The National Immigration Administration policy interpretation dated July 4, 2025 says all open exit-entry ports implement a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for all nationalities when the traveler stays inside the restricted area of the port. The current 240-hour transit policy is a larger route-and-area rule for nationals of 55 countries traveling onward to a third country or region through designated ports.

1

Check nationality first

For the 240-hour policy, the traveler needs to be a national of one of the 55 countries listed in the current public framework.

2

Check the route shape

The onward destination after mainland China needs to be a different country or region from the place the traveler came from. Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and the Taiwan region can count as third regions in the public interpretation used here.

3

Check the proof

The traveler needs valid travel documents plus onward tickets or other onward arrangements with confirmed departure dates.

4

Check the geography

The entry point must be one of the designated ports and the stay must stay inside the permitted area for that port region.

24-hour transit

The July 4, 2025 public interpretation says all nationalities may use the 24-hour transit policy if they hold valid onward tickets and do not leave the restricted area of the port. If they do need to leave that restricted area, a temporary entry permit must be obtained first at the immigration inspection authority of the port concerned.

240-hour transit

The same public interpretation says the 240-hour route covers nationals of 55 countries who enter through designated ports in 24 provinces-level areas, then stay in the permitted areas for no more than 10 days while transiting to a third country or region.

Run the checker

Best next step if the traveler now knows their route and nationality.

Leaving the airport

Use this if the practical question is about entering the city during the stopover.

Third-country examples

Use this if the itinerary shape still feels ambiguous.

Official sources used for this page

This page is based on the National Immigration Administration transit policy interpretation published on July 4, 2025 and the November 3, 2025 notice that expanded 240-hour transit entry ports to 65 effective November 5, 2025.

Visa-free transit policy interpretation
65-port transit notice