China Visa & Transit Free
Complete Traveler Guide
Everything international travelers need to know before visiting China: 30-day unilateral visa-exempt countries, 240h/144h transit visa exemptions, Hainan 30-day island waivers, and standard tourist L-visa checklists.
China Visa & 240h / 144h Transit Eligibility Checker
Answer 3 simple questions to find out your exact visa exemption policy, allowable stay duration, and official entry requirements in seconds.
You qualify for the 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit!
You do NOT need an advance visa. Under China's upgraded 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit scheme, travelers connecting from Country A → Mainland China (up to 240h) → Country/Region C (including Hong Kong / Macau) can explore across designated regional clusters.
- Confirmed onward flight/cruise ticket to a 3rd country or region within 240 hours (10 days).
- The 240h countdown starts at 00:00 the day AFTER arrival (giving you up to 11 calendar days).
- Stay within the authorized transit cluster (e.g., Shanghai + Jiangsu + Zhejiang, Beijing + Tianjin + Hebei, or Guangdong).
- Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as eligible 3rd transit destinations!
The 4 Ways Foreign Travelers Enter China in 2026
China has radically simplified inbound entry regulations. Pick the channel matching your nationality and trip length:
Unilateral Visa-Free
Ordinary passport holders from 40+ countries can enter China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business, or visiting family.
240h / 144h Transit
Citizens of 54 nations traveling from Country A → China → Country C can stay for up to 10 days in designated provincial clusters.
Special Regional Waivers
Hainan 30-day visa-free for 59 nations, Shanghai 15-day cruise group exemption, and Guangdong 144h tour group entry from Hong Kong/Macau.
Standard Tourist L-Visa
For travelers staying longer than 30 days, or nationalities not covered by exemption schemes. Requires CVASC appointment and hotel/flight vouchers.
Unilateral 30-Day Visa-Free Countries (单方面免签)
Holders of ordinary passports from the following nations can enter China for tourism, business visits, visiting relatives, and transit for up to 30 days without prior visa authorization.
240-Hour / 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Rules (过境免签)
The "A → China → C" Rule
You must fly from Country A, stop in China, and continue to Country/Region C. A round-trip flight (e.g. San Francisco → Beijing → San Francisco) is strictly disqualified.Hong Kong and Macau qualify as Region C!
Timer Starts Next Day (00:00)
The 240h/144h limit does not start upon landing. The countdown begins at 00:00 the day after arrival. Landing on Monday morning gives you until the following Thursday midnight.
Zonal Border Restrictions
You cannot leave the approved provincial zone. For example, a traveler entering through Shanghai cannot take a bullet train to Beijing or Xi’an under their transit endorsement.
中国 144 / 240 小时过境免签区域地图
点击或悬停地图省份，即时查询各区域开放范围、允许跨省流转口岸、适用机场与核心景点。
上海市
Shanghai上海市全域。可跨省通达江苏（苏州/南京）与浙江（杭州/乌镇），长三角高铁全线畅游。
主要进出境免签口岸
区域必游核心地标
外滩万国建筑博览、豫园城隍庙、东方明珠广播电视塔、西岸美术馆、迪士尼乐园。
Major Entry Ports & Approved Travel Boundaries
Beijing (北京) / Tianjin / Hebei
EligibleShanghai (上海) / Jiangsu / Zhejiang
EligibleGuangdong (广东 - Greater Bay Area)
EligibleSichuan / Chengdu (成都 / 四川)
EligibleChongqing (重庆)
EligibleShaanxi / Xi’an (西安 / 陕西)
EligibleHunan (湖南 - Changsha & Zhangjiajie)
EligibleYunnan (云南 - Kunming & Lijiang)
EligibleStandard Chinese Tourist Visa Application Checklist
If your passport does not qualify for visa exemptions or your planned stay exceeds 30 days across multiple non-connected provinces, you will need a standard L-Visa.
Passport Prerequisite
Original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from entry date and at least 2 blank visa pages. Plus a photocopy of the passport bio page.
Biometric Photo Specs
Color photo (33mm × 48mm) taken within 6 months. Pure white background, neutral expression, no white shirts, no hats, and no reflective eyeglasses.
COVA Application Form
Complete the online form at the official COVA portal (China Online Visa Application), print the Confirmation Page and Full Form, and sign in person.
Flight & Hotel Proof
Round-trip air tickets and hotel reservations covering the entire duration of your stay in China. Alternatively, an official invitation letter from a Chinese entity or citizen.
Biometric Fingerprints
Applicants aged 14–70 must attend an in-person appointment at the nearest CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center) to submit physical fingerprints unless exempted by temporary waiver.
Processing Turnaround
Standard processing takes 4 working days. Express service (2–3 working days) and Postal Submission are offered in qualifying consular districts.
Frequently Asked Questions (Visa & Entry FAQ)
Real questions asked by international travelers navigating Chinese border control
QHow is the 240-hour / 144-hour transit countdown calculated?
The countdown does NOT start when your plane lands. It starts at 00:00 the day immediately following your arrival date! For example, if you land at Beijing at 06:00 on December 1st, your 240 hours begin at 00:00 on December 2nd and end at 24:00 on December 11th. This grants you almost 11 full calendar days.
QCan I travel between different provinces on a 240h/144h transit permit?
Only within designated regional clusters! For instance, if you enter via Shanghai, you can freely travel across Shanghai, Jiangsu (Suzhou, Nanjing), and Zhejiang (Hangzhou). However, you cannot travel to Beijing or Xi’an under a Shanghai permit. If you wish to visit Beijing and Shanghai on one trip, consider entering under unilateral visa-free (30 days) or a standard L-Visa.
QDoes flying to Hong Kong or Macau qualify as a third country/region?
YES! Under Chinese immigration regulations, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate customs territories. An itinerary such as London → Shanghai (up to 240h) → Hong Kong → London is 100% compliant with visa-free transit.
QCan I buy my onward flight ticket after landing in China?
NO. You must present confirmed onward airline, train, or cruise tickets with fixed dates and seat numbers to the airline check-in desk before boarding your flight to China, as well as to border control officers upon arrival.
QWhat is Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Policy?
Citizens of 59 countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) can travel to Hainan Province (Sanya, Haikou) visa-free for up to 30 days when entering directly from abroad or transiting through Hong Kong/other overseas hubs.
QWhat are the photo and passport requirements for a Chinese L-Visa?
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity and at least 2 blank visa pages. Photos must be 33mm × 48mm, taken within 6 months, bareheaded against a pure white background without white clothing or reflective glasses.
Need Verification or Itinerary Advice?
Not sure if your specific transit route or connecting flights meet the NIA criteria? Our local bilingual team double-checks your flight route, 12306 high-speed trains, and hotel registrations.