Visa-free transit policy
All open ports of entry in China implement a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for nationals of all countries.
Foreign nationals holding valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets on international flights, ships, or trains may transit through China to a third country or region without a visa, provided they stay within the designated port area for no more than 24 hours and do not leave the restricted zone. If they need to leave the port’s restricted area, they must apply to the port’s immigration authorities for a temporary entry permit.
Currently, China has implemented a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for 55 countries, including the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Nationals of these countries, holding valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets with specified dates and itineraries, may enter China visa-free at any of the 65 open ports across 24 provinces and remain in designated areas for up to 10 days.
During their stay, they may engage in tourism, business, visits, family visits, and other activities; activities requiring prior approval, such as employment, study, or journalistic interviews, still require a visa.
(I) List of 55 countries
Europe (40 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, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway
Americas (6 countries):United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Oceania (2 countries):Australia, New Zealand
Asia (7 countries):South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia
(II) Applicable ports and permitted areas of activity
