Transit Without Visa in China (2025/2026)
Full Guide to the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa policies can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official Chinese government sources or your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate before traveling. The eligibility checker provides estimates only and does not guarantee entry approval.
Latest Policy Updates
- November 4, 2025: Eligible ports expanded from 60 to 65, adding Guangzhou Pazhou Passenger Port, Zhuhai Hengqin & Zhongshan, Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, and West Kowloon Station (Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail).
- June 12, 2025: Indonesia added, bringing eligible countries to 55.
- December 17, 2024: Policy upgraded from 72h/144h to 240 hours (10 days), ports increased to 60 across 24 provinces.
✅ TWOV Eligibility Checker
If you're traveling through China on your way to a third country, you may not need a visa at all. China's 240-hour (10-day) Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy — significantly upgraded on December 17, 2024 and expanded throughout 2025 — now covers 55 countries and 65 entry/exit ports across 24 provinces. Whether you want a quick taste of Beijing's hutongs or a multi-city loop through Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi'an, this policy makes it possible without a tourist visa.
This guide covers:
- How the 240-hour policy works (and what happened to the old 72h/144h tiers)
- Which 55 countries are eligible
- All 65 approved entry/exit ports
- Step-by-step process at the airport
- What to do and see during your layover
✈️ What Is Transit Without Visa (TWOV)?
TWOV is China's visa-free policy for travellers transiting through China to a third country or region. You're eligible if:
Core Requirements
- ✔You're flying Country A → China → Country B (different from Country A)
- ✔Your nationality is on the 55-country eligible list
- ✔You hold a confirmed interline ticket with seat and departure date to the third destination
- ✔Your passport is valid for at least 3 months from arrival date
- ✔You enter and exit through one of the 65 approved ports
Example Routes
Valid — different origin and destination countries
Valid — Japan counts as the third destination
Valid — Hong Kong & Macau count as third regions
Not valid — same country of origin and destination
🕐 240-Hour Clock Note: The 240-hour countdown starts at 00:00 (midnight, GMT+8) on the day after your arrival — not from the moment you land. For example, if you arrive at 13:00 on March 20, your 240 hours begin at 00:00 on March 21.
🔄 What Happened to the 72-Hour and 144-Hour Policies?
As of December 17, 2024, China replaced the separate 72-hour and 144-hour tiers with a single unified 240-hour (10-day) policy. There is no longer a distinct 72h or 144h TWOV tier — all eligible nationalities transiting through approved ports are now entitled to up to 240 hours.
The 24-hour transit provision (available to all nationalities) still exists for travellers who simply wish to remain airside or make a very brief connection, but the extended city-exploration policy is now uniformly 240 hours.
🌍 55 Eligible Countries for 240-Hour TWOV
🇪🇺 Europe (40)
Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
🌎 Americas (6)
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States
🌏 Oceania (2)
Australia, New Zealand
🌏 Asia (7)
Brunei, Indonesia Added Jun 2025, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates
⏱ All Other Nationalities
Citizens of countries not listed above are eligible for 24-hour TWOV only. This generally keeps you within the airport international transit zone without the ability to explore the city.
For longer stays, a standard Chinese tourist (L) visa must be obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate.
📋 TWOV Requirements Checklist
Eligible Passport
From one of the 55 eligible countries, valid for at least 3 months from arrival
Confirmed Interline Ticket
Onward ticket to a third country/region with confirmed seat and departure date within 240 hours
Approved Entry/Exit Ports
Must use one of the 65 approved ports for both entry and exit
Temporary Entry Card
Fill in the Temporary Entry Card for Foreign Nationals on arrival
Third-Country Destination
Must continue to a different country/region — cannot return directly to origin country. Hong Kong and Macau qualify as third regions.
Permitted Activities Only
Tourism, business meetings, family visits, exchange visits. Work, study and news reporting still require a visa.
🗂 Step-by-Step: How to Use TWOV
📄 Book Country A → China → Country B
Ensure your itinerary is a genuine transit to a third destination. Ideally book as a single interline itinerary — this is the safest option. Separately purchased tickets may be questioned, though they are not strictly prohibited. Confirm your entry and exit airports are both on the 65-port approved list.
✈️ At check-in, inform the airline you are using TWOV
Staff will verify your eligibility and onward ticket. Print (or have on your phone) your confirmed onward flight details and hotel booking — these may be requested at check-in and at the border.
🛬 On arrival, go to the "Visa-Free Transit" counter
Do not join the regular visa or e-gate immigration queues. Look for the dedicated TWOV / visa-free transit counter. Present your passport, onward ticket, and completed Temporary Entry Card.
🛂 Receive your temporary entry permit stamp
The stamp will show your permitted stay end date. Your 240-hour countdown starts at 00:00 GMT+8 on the day after your arrival — not from your landing time. Confirm the exit date on your stamp.
🏨 Register your stay at your hotel
Hotels automatically register foreign guests with local police — always stay in registered accommodation. If staying with friends or in a private home, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.
🛫 Depart within 240 hours through an approved port
You can enter in one city and exit from a different city (e.g., fly into Beijing, exit via Shanghai), as long as both are within the 24 permitted provinces and among the 65 approved ports. Overstaying may result in fines, detention, or future entry bans.
🏙 Top Cities & What to Do During Your Layover
| City | Province/Region | Must-Do Experiences |
|---|---|---|
| 🏯 Beijing | Beijing Municipality | Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Duck, Summer Palace |
| 🏙 Shanghai | Shanghai Municipality | The Bund, skyline cruise, Yu Garden, soup dumplings |
| 🕌 Guangzhou | Guangdong | Dim sum, Canton Tower, Shamian Island |
| 🐼 Chengdu | Sichuan | Giant Panda Research Base, Sichuan hotpot, Jinli Street tea houses |
| 🏺 Xi'an | Shaanxi | Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, ancient city walls |
| 🌸 Hangzhou | Zhejiang | West Lake, tea plantations, Lingyin Temple |
| 🏝 Hainan | Hainan Province | Beaches, tropical rainforest, duty-free shopping |
💡Multi-City Tip: You can now travel across provincial boundaries within the 24 permitted regions. For example, fly into Beijing, take the high-speed train to Xi'an and Chengdu, then fly out of Shanghai — all within 10 days.
🔎 Real-Life Examples (Am I Eligible?)
✅ Valid Example 1
Flight: Canada → Beijing → Thailand
Stay: 8 days in Beijing
Result:240-hour TWOV applies
✅ Valid Example 2
Flight: USA → Seoul → Shanghai, exit Shanghai → Hong Kong
Stay: 9 days in Shanghai & Beijing
Result:240-hour TWOV applies — Hong Kong qualifies as third region
✅ Valid Example 3
Flight: UK → Beijing, train to Xi'an, flight Shanghai → Japan
Stay: Multi-city, under 10 days total
Result:240-hour TWOV applies — cross-province travel permitted
❌ Not Valid
Flight: Australia → Guangzhou → Australia
Result:Not eligible — destination must be a different country/region from origin
🗺 Key 240-Hour TWOV Entry/Exit Ports (65 total)
The 65 approved ports cover airports, seaports and rail stations across 24 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. Selected highlights:
The full list of 65 ports includes seaports, ferry terminals and railway stations in addition to airports. Confirm your specific port on the official NIA website before travelling.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply in advance?
No. There is no pre-application or registration process. You simply arrive at an approved port with your qualifying documents and apply at the TWOV/visa-free transit counter on arrival.
Can I leave the airport and explore the city?
Yes — under the 240-hour TWOV policy you receive a temporary entry permit and can leave the airport to explore cities and regions within the 24 permitted provincial areas. You are not confined to the transit zone.
Can I enter one city and exit from another?
Yes. One of the major advantages of the 240-hour policy is that you can travel across provinces within the permitted areas. For example, you could fly into Beijing, travel by high-speed rail to Xi'an and Chengdu, and exit from Shanghai — provided your total stay does not exceed 240 hours.
Does Hong Kong or Macau count as a "third destination"?
Yes. Both Hong Kong and Macau are classified as separate regions under TWOV rules and qualify as your third destination. A confirmed onward ticket to either is sufficient.
What documents should I carry?
Bring (or have available on your phone): your passport (valid 3+ months), your confirmed onward ticket with assigned seat, hotel bookings or accommodation address, and a completed Temporary Entry Card for Foreign Nationals (available at the airport).
What happens if I overstay my TWOV?
Overstaying is a serious violation. Penalties can include fines, detention, forced departure, and bans on future entry into China. Always plan your exit well within the 240-hour window.
Is there a fee for TWOV?
No. The visa-free transit permit is issued at no cost.
My country has China's 30-day visa-free entry — should I use that instead?
If you hold a passport from a country that has a mutual or unilateral 30-day visa-free arrangement with China (e.g., most EU nations, Australia, UK), that option is generally more flexible than TWOV — it doesn't require onward tickets to a third country. Check if your nationality qualifies, as that arrangement is separate from TWOV and may be more convenient for pure tourist trips.
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