Policy & regulations
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free China: Rules, Eligible Stays, and Common Refusals
A traveler-facing policy brief: nationality, ports, onward tickets, and how this differs from 30-day visa-free.
Key takeaway
- Confirm your nationality is on the current eligible list and that your arrival airport/port is participating.
- Hold confirmed transport to a third country/region; immigration may ask to see it.
- Hotel registration still applies—carry the Chinese address for your first night.
How the rules work
Policy vs unilateral visa-free
If your passport already qualifies for unilateral visa-free, you usually do not need the transit program.
Transit rules are stricter on itinerary shape; do not stretch a 240-hour stay into an open-ended vacation without checking.
FAQ
Can I fly Beijing → Shanghai on 240-hour?
Domestic hops are often allowed within the stay window, but your overall journey must still meet transit conditions—verify before booking.
Where should I double-check before booking?
Official immigration/attraction/operator pages for your travel dates, plus ChinaPie Plan for itinerary fit.
Does this apply to every nationality?
No—visa-free, transit, and payment limits vary by passport. Always check your nationality.