The China 240-hour visa-free transit policy, expanded in late 2024 and refined in 2025, lets passport holders from 55 eligible countries visit Beijing (and 23 other Chinese provinces) for up to 10 days without applying for a visa, provided they’re transiting to a third country. This is the easiest, fastest way for Americans, Britons, Canadians, Australians, and most Europeans to spend a week in Beijing without ever filling out a visa application. If you have a valid passport, an onward ticket to a third country, and one of 65 eligible entry ports — you’re already qualified.

This guide covers the China 240-hour visa-free policy in full: who qualifies, how it works at the airport, common mistakes that cause refusal, and how to combine the 10-day window with a Beijing → Shanghai → Tokyo or similar multi-city itinerary. We’ve focused on practical “how do I actually do this” detail rather than legal text.

China 240-hour visa-free at a glance

• Duration: Up to 240 hours (10 days) in mainland China
• Eligibility: Citizens of 55 countries (full list below)
• Trip type required: Transit to a third country/region (not return to your origin country directly)
• Eligible entry ports: 65 air, sea, and rail ports across 24 Chinese provincial regions including Beijing
• Free movement: Across 24 provincial regions including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangdong, etc.
• Cost: Free (no application fee)
• Application: No advance application — granted on arrival
• Restriction: Cannot work, study, or engage in journalism activities

How the China 240-hour visa-free policy works

The policy is simple in concept: if you’re flying from Country A → China → Country C (where C is different from A), you can stop in China for up to 10 days without a visa. The 240-hour clock starts at 00:00 on the day after arrival, not at landing time — so a flight arriving at 8 PM gives you nearly 11 days inclusive of the arrival evening.

Unlike the older 144-hour transit policy, which restricted travellers to a single city or region, the new 240-hour version allows free travel across 24 provincial regions — letting you combine Beijing with Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, or Guilin in a single trip. You can also enter and exit through different ports (e.g., enter at Beijing, exit through Shanghai).

You’ll receive a 240-hour visa-free transit stamp at immigration. No advance application. No fee. No paperwork beyond standard immigration cards.

Eligible countries for the China 240-hour visa-free policy

As of 2026, citizens of 55 countries qualify. The list breaks down by region:

Schengen Area (24 countries)

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 European countries (16)

Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco, Norway.

North America (3)

United States, Canada, Mexico.

South America (3)

Brazil, Argentina, Chile.

Asia (7)

Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia.

Oceania (2)

Australia, New Zealand.

If your passport is from a country on this list, you qualify regardless of where you’re flying from. If your country is not on this list, you’ll need a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) to visit Beijing — see our China tourist visa application guide.

Eligible entry ports (65 total)

Beijing has both eligible international airports — Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). All major Chinese international airports and many sea/rail crossings are eligible. The full list includes:

• Beijing: Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
• Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Shanghai sea port
• Guangdong (Pearl River Delta): Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), and several sea/rail ports
• Other major airports: Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Chengdu Shuangliu (CTU), Xi’an Xianyang (XIY), Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH), Kunming Changshui (KMG), Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG), Qingdao Jiaodong (TAO), Wuhan Tianhe (WUH), Nanjing Lukou (NKG), Xiamen Gaoqi (XMN), and many more.

You can enter through one port and exit through a different one, as long as both are on the eligible-port list — useful for Beijing → Shanghai → onward flight itineraries.

Where you can travel under the 240-hour transit policy

The 24 eligible provincial regions where you can move freely under the policy:

• Beijing
• Tianjin
• Hebei (the province surrounding Beijing)
• Shanghai
• Jiangsu (Suzhou, Nanjing)
• Zhejiang (Hangzhou, Ningbo)
• Anhui
• Fujian (Xiamen, Fuzhou)
• Jiangxi
• Shandong (Qingdao, Jinan)
• Henan
• Hubei (Wuhan, Yichang)
• Hunan (Changsha)
• Guangdong (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai)
• Guangxi (Guilin, Yangshuo)
• Hainan (separately also under Hainan visa-free)
• Sichuan (Chengdu)
• Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang)
• Shaanxi (Xi’an)
• Liaoning
• Jilin
• Heilongjiang (Harbin)
• Shanxi
• Chongqing

This covers approximately 95% of the destinations Western tourists typically visit in China. Tibet and Xinjiang require additional permits and are not part of this policy. Inner Mongolia is partially covered.

Step-by-step: using the China 240-hour visa-free policy in Beijing

Before you fly

1. Confirm your itinerary qualifies. You must be transiting from Country A → China → Country C, where C is a different country than A. Round trips (A → China → A) do NOT qualify — you’d need a regular visa.
2. Book your onward flight in advance. Immigration officials will ask to see proof of an onward ticket departing China within 240 hours.
3. Confirm passport validity. At least 6 months of validity beyond your stay; some sources say 3 months minimum.
4. Print your itinerary. Hotel bookings, onward flight, and a clear printed travel plan help at immigration. Email confirmations work but printed copies make the process smoother.
5. Choose an eligible entry port. All major Beijing airports qualify.

At Beijing Capital Airport (or Daxing) immigration

1. On the plane, fill in the Arrival Card (distributed by flight attendants). At “Purpose of Visit” tick “Tourism” — at “Visa Type” leave blank or write “240-hour visa-free transit”.
2. Disembark and follow signs to Immigration / Foreign Passports. Look for the dedicated “240-hour visa-free” lane (often signed in English).
3. At the desk, present your passport, arrival card, and printed onward ticket. The officer will check your eligibility.
4. You’ll be fingerprinted and photographed (unless you’re under 14 or over 70).
5. The officer stamps a 240-hour visa-free transit entry into your passport with your departure deadline.
6. Proceed to baggage claim and customs.

During your stay

• Register your accommodation. By Chinese law, foreigners must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically — keep your hotel registration receipt as proof. If you stay with friends in a private home, you (or your host) must visit the local police station to register.
• Carry your passport at all times. Random police checks at metro stations or major attractions occasionally happen.
• Don’t overstay. The 240-hour clock starts at 00:00 the day after arrival and ends 240 hours later. Overstay penalties can include a fine of ¥500/day, deportation, and a ban on re-entry.

Departure

1. Check in for your flight to a third country at your scheduled time.
2. Standard exit immigration. Your stamp will be checked.
3. If you’ve been compliant — no issues.

Common mistakes that cause refusal

The 240-hour transit policy is straightforward, but several common errors cause refusal at immigration:

1. Round-trip itinerary (Country A → China → Country A)

The most common refusal. The policy explicitly requires transit to a different country. If your flights are New York → Beijing → New York, you do NOT qualify — you’d need a tourist visa. The fix: route through a third country (e.g., New York → Beijing → Tokyo → New York), or apply for a tourist visa.

2. Onward flight beyond 240 hours

If your departing flight is more than 240 hours after your arrival, immigration may refuse the visa-free entry on the grounds that you can’t leave in time. Make sure your itinerary fits within the 10-day window.

3. No printed onward ticket

Some officers will accept a phone screenshot, but printed tickets are universally accepted and reduce friction. Bring a printed copy.

4. Travelling to ineligible regions

You cannot legally travel to Tibet, Xinjiang, or other restricted regions on the 240-hour visa-free transit. Doing so risks penalties at exit immigration.

5. Engaging in work or journalism

The visa-free transit is for tourism only. Press conferences, interviews, paid work, or remote work that’s clearly visible to authorities can result in refused entry or future complications.

6. Wrong entry / exit ports

Both entry and exit ports must be on the eligible-port list of 65 ports. Most international tourists don’t have to worry about this, but if you’re entering by sea cruise or land border, double-check eligibility.

7. Hong Kong / Macau / Taiwan as the “third country”

Hong Kong and Macau are special administrative regions of China but are treated as separate destinations for transit purposes — this works. Taiwan is also treated as a separate destination — this works. Confirm with your airline before booking if uncertain.

240-hour visa-free vs. 30-day visa-free entry

Many travellers from major Western countries now have two visa-free options for China. The differences matter:

Feature	240-hour visa-free transit	30-day visa-free entry
Duration	10 days	30 days
Eligible nationalities	55 countries	50+ countries (varies)
Trip type required	Transit to third country	Any (no transit requirement)
Travel zones	24 provincial regions	Most of mainland China (some restrictions)
Application	Granted on arrival	Granted on arrival
Cost	Free	Free
Best for	Multi-country trips with China stop	Pure China trips, longer stays

If your country qualifies for both (e.g., UK, France, Australia), the 30-day visa-free entry is simpler and more flexible. The 240-hour visa-free transit is best for travellers from countries that don’t qualify for 30-day visa-free entry but DO qualify for 240-hour transit (e.g., USA, Canada, Mexico — though check 2026 status as policies change).

See our China 30-day visa-free entry guide for comparison details and current eligible-country list.

Multi-city Beijing itinerary using 240-hour visa-free

The expanded 24-region travel zone unlocks excellent multi-city China trips on the 240-hour transit. A few popular itineraries:

10-day Beijing-Shanghai-Tokyo (or Seoul)

• Days 1–4: Beijing (Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutongs)
• Day 5: Beijing-to-Shanghai high-speed rail (4½ hours, ¥553-665)
• Days 5–7: Shanghai (Bund, French Concession, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower)
• Day 8: Shanghai-to-Suzhou day trip OR Hangzhou day trip
• Day 9–10: Shanghai-to-Tokyo (or Seoul) — onward flight

10-day Beijing-Xi’an-Bangkok

• Days 1–4: Beijing
• Day 5: Beijing-to-Xi’an high-speed rail (4½ hours, ¥515)
• Days 5–7: Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter)
• Day 8: Xi’an-to-Chengdu high-speed rail OR direct flight to Bangkok
• Day 9–10: Chengdu (pandas, hot pot) → onward flight to Bangkok

7-day Beijing-only deep dive

• Days 1–7: Beijing with day trips to Tianjin or Chengde
• Day 8: Onward flight to Tokyo, Seoul, or Singapore

For Beijing-focused itineraries, see our how many days in Beijing guide.

Beijing airport arrival on the 240-hour visa-free policy

Both Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) handle 240-hour transit visitors smoothly. Daxing is newer and significantly faster through immigration on average. PEK Terminal 3 is the main international terminal for Capital Airport.

Expect 30–60 minutes from plane disembarkation to baggage claim during normal hours. The 240-hour visa-free queue is sometimes shorter than the regular foreign passport queue. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both airports (verification SMS often required, so an active eSIM helps).

For full arrival details, see our Beijing Capital Airport guide and Beijing Daxing Airport guide.

China 240-hour visa-free FAQ

Can I extend my 240-hour visa-free stay?

No. If you need more time, you must apply for a regular tourist visa or use the 30-day visa-free entry policy if eligible. There is no extension mechanism for 240-hour transit.

Can I apply for the 240-hour transit before flying?

No advance application is needed. The status is granted on arrival.

Is the 240-hour visa-free policy permanent?

The current policy was expanded in late 2024 and is the standing policy. The Chinese government has shown willingness to extend and broaden it. As of 2026, no expiration is announced.

Can my partner from a non-eligible country join me?

Each traveller must individually qualify for the policy. If your partner’s passport is from an ineligible country, they need a regular tourist visa.

Does Hong Kong count as a “third country” for transit purposes?

Yes. Hong Kong and Macau are treated as separate destinations for transit. Taiwan is also a separate destination. So Beijing → Hong Kong is a valid transit.

Can I leave and return to China within the 240 hours?

No. The 240-hour visa-free transit is a single-entry policy. Once you exit China, you cannot re-enter without a new visa or transit entry on a new arrival.

What happens if I overstay the 240 hours?

Penalties include a fine of ¥500 per day of overstay (up to ¥10,000), deportation, and a possible ban on re-entry to China for 1–10 years. Overstaying is taken seriously.

Can I do business meetings under the 240-hour transit?

Brief, non-paid business meetings (introductory meetings, conferences as attendee) are generally tolerated. Paid work, contract signing, journalism, or anything that produces income/output requires an appropriate visa (M business visa, F visa, etc.).

Can children under 14 use the 240-hour visa-free transit?

Yes. Children must each have their own valid passport from an eligible country. Fingerprinting and photography are waived for under-14s.

The bottom line on China 240-hour visa-free

The China 240-hour visa-free transit policy is the most traveller-friendly China entry option available in 2026 for citizens of 55 eligible countries who are routing through China rather than going only to China. For US, Canadian, Mexican, and Australian passport holders especially, this is the easiest way to spend 10 days exploring Beijing and beyond without any visa paperwork.

The policy is straightforward: ensure your itinerary transits to a different country, book onward flights, fly to one of 65 eligible ports, get the stamp at immigration, and enjoy. The most common reasons travellers get refused are easy to avoid: round-trip itineraries (use a third-country routing instead), missing onward tickets (print them), and travel to restricted regions (stick to the 24 eligible provinces).

If you’re a UK, French, German, or other 30-day visa-free citizen, the 30-day policy is simpler and more flexible — see our China 30-day visa-free guide. If you’re from a non-eligible country, see our China tourist visa application guide. For everyone else, see our Beijing visa requirements pillar for the full picture, plus our complete Beijing travel guide to plan the actual trip.