China's 240-hour (10 days) transit visa exemption policy offers great convenience to international travelers, especially those who need to transit through China and plan to stay in the city for a longer period. With China’s increasing openness, the implementation of this policy allows many short-term travelers to enjoy free movement in Chinese visa-free cities. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the 240-hour transit visa exemption policy, including eligibility criteria, applicable cities, the application process, common questions, and more, helping you easily plan and enjoy the benefits of the visa exemption.

1. What is China's 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption?

The 240-hour transit visa exemption policy, an extension of the 144-hour transit visa exemption, allows foreign nationals to stay in China for up to 10 days (240 hours) for tourism, business activities, or other legal purposes without applying for a Chinese visa. This policy applies to travelers transiting through specified visa-free cities or regions, provided they hold a valid ticket to a third country or region.

2. Applicable Visa-Free Cities in China

The latest 240-hour transit visa exemption policy allows entry through any of the 60 open ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. These cities are typically major international aviation hubs or important tourist destinations. The 24 provinces and cities where the policy applies include:

• Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, 

  Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang,

   Anhui, Fujian, Shandong, 

  Henan, Hubei, Hunan, 

  Guangdong, Hainan, Chongqing, 

  Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi,

  Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, Guangxi, 

  Sichuan, Yunnan

Transit visa exemption travelers can stay for up to 240 hours within the designated regions and can travel across provinces within these areas.

3. Eligibility Criteria for China's 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

To enjoy the 240-hour transit visa exemption, travelers need to meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality Requirements: The 240-hour transit visa exemption applies to citizens of countries and regions recognized by the Chinese government. This includes the following countries:

Ÿ  European Countries (40): 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, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway

Ÿ  Americas (6): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

Ÿ  Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand

Ÿ  Asia (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar

1. Valid Flight Ticket: Travelers must hold a valid ticket with a destination to a third country or region (excluding China). The departure and destination must not be China.

2. Stay Time Limitation: The stay cannot exceed 240 hours (i.e., 10 days). If the stay exceeds this period, the traveler must apply for a visa and complete the necessary procedures.

3. No Other Visa Requirements: Travelers cannot extend their stay for other reasons (e.g., work, study). The 240-hour visa exemption only applies to short-term stays for transit purposes.

4. How to Apply for China's 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

1. Confirm Eligibility in Advance: Before departure, it is advisable for travelers to check their eligibility for the 240-hour transit visa exemption via the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate. Generally, citizens of countries on the visa-free list can directly enjoy the policy.

2. Inform Customs upon Arrival: Upon arriving at a designated visa-free city in China, travelers need to inform customs officers that they are eligible for the 240-hour transit visa exemption and present their valid passport, flight ticket, and other relevant materials. The customs officer will check the information and grant entry.

3. Prepare Required Documents: Upon entry, travelers need to provide the following materials:

Ÿ  Valid passport (valid for at least six months)

Ÿ  Valid flight ticket to a third country

Ÿ  Completed entry and exit cards (if required)

Ÿ  Other documents that may be required (e.g., hotel booking confirmation, travel itinerary)

5. Activities Covered Under China's 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

The 240-hour transit visa exemption policy primarily covers the following activities:

1. Tourism: Travelers can engage in sightseeing, cultural experiences, and other activities in the designated visa-free cities, enjoying China's rich history and cultural heritage.

2. Business Activities: Travelers can participate in short-term business activities such as attending meetings or negotiating collaborations.

3. Visiting Family and Friends: If travelers have relatives or friends in China, they can visit them in the visa-free cities. However, they cannot work or engage in profit-making activities within China.

4. Shopping and Leisure: Travelers can engage in shopping, leisure activities, and more in the visa-free cities but cannot participate in commercial trade or paid work.

6. Recommended 10-Day Itinerary for Travelers with China's 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

• Day 1 Beijing:
       Arrive at any time — Check-in at the hotel — Dinner at a local restaurant for Peking Duck

• Day 2 Beijing:
       Tian'anmen Square — Forbidden City — Lunch — Hutong (old alleyways) — Peking Opera mask painting

• Day 3 Beijing:
       Temple of Heaven — Lunch — Mutianyu Great Wall

• Day 4 Beijing/Zhangjiajie:
       Summer Palace — Lunch — Flight to Zhangjiajie

• Day 5 Zhangjiajie:
       Yuanjiajie Scenic Area — Lunch — Tianzi Mountain

• Day 6 Zhangjiajie/Huangshan:
       Tianmenshan Mountain — Lunch — Huangshan — Tunxi Old Street

• Day 7 Huangshan:
       Mt. Huangshan — Lunch — Grand Canyon of Xihai (West Sea)

• Day 8 Huangshan/Shanghai:
       Danxia Peak — Lunch — Chengkan Ancient Village — High-speed rail to Shanghai

• Day 9 Shanghai:
       Shanghai Tower — Yuyuan Garden — Lunch — Oriental Pearl TV Tower — City History Museum — The Bund

• Day 10 Shanghai:
       Departure 

7. Frequently Asked Questions about China's 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

1. If my flight changes its destination, can I still enjoy the transit visa exemption?

   If the destination of the flight changes and no longer meets the requirements for the transit visa exemption, the traveler will not be able to enjoy the 240-hour transit visa exemption policy and must apply for a visa in advance.

2. Can I visit other cities?

   Yes. Starting from December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration has relaxed the transit visa exemption policy, extending the transit stay to 240 hours and allowing cross-province travel within the designated regions.

3. Do I need to provide accommodation proof during the visa exemption stay?

   Depending on the city, some may require accommodation proof, such as hotel booking confirmations. It is advisable to book hotels in advance and prepare the relevant materials.

4. What happens if I stay longer than 240 hours?

   If the stay exceeds 240 hours, you may face fines or be required to leave the country. In severe cases, you could be blacklisted.

5. How can I confirm if I am eligible for the transit visa exemption?

   You can check the latest visa-free list and policy details through the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate, or contact the embassy/consulate directly for assistance.

8. Conclusion

China's 240-hour transit visa exemption policy offers great convenience for international travelers on short transit visits. By understanding the policy details, preparing the necessary documents, and ensuring eligibility, you can enjoy a pleasant and easy trip in China’s visa-free cities. If you need assistance designing, customizing, and arranging your China trip, feel free to contact travel consultant Gavin. Below are his contacts:

• WhatsApp: (+86)13099117766

• WeChat: ChinaTrips