240-Hour Visa-Free
Complete Guide
Since December 2024, the policy has expanded from 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Here's everything you need to know about traveling to China without a visa.
240-Hour vs 30-Day Visa-Free - Which Should You Choose?
Some nationalities may also qualify for a 30-day visa-free policy (until December 31, 2026). For simple tourism, the 30-day visa-free option may be more convenient. The 240-hour visa-free is mainly used for transit purposes (traveling to a third country).
Visa-Free Policy Comparison
30-Day Visa-Free (Unilateral)
- Stay up to 30 days
- Only need a round-trip ticket
- Can travel throughout China
- Available for 38 countries
- Temporary policy until December 31, 2026
240-Hour Visa-Free (Transit)
- Stay up to 240 hours (10 days)
- Onward ticket to a third country required
- Limited to 24 designated regions
- Available for 54 countries
- Permanent policy
30-Day Visa-Free Entry Requirements
1 Eligible Countries
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, and more - 38 countries in total (Note: US, UK, Canada citizens should check current status)
2 Required Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
- Round-trip/Outbound ticket: Departure within 30 days
- Accommodation info: Hotel reservation confirmation or address
3 Entry Procedure
- 1 Go to the "Visa-Free Entry" lane at immigration
- 2 Present passport and departure ticket
- 3 Answer questions about purpose of stay and accommodation address
- 4 Receive entry stamp (with stay deadline noted)
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Details
Eligibility Requirements
- Passport holders from 54 eligible countries (see list below)
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country (departing from China)
- Enter through one of 65 designated ports/airports
- Stay only within the 24 designated administrative regions
240-Hour Visa-Free Eligible Countries (54 Countries)
Europe (39 Countries)
Americas (6 Countries)
Asia-Pacific (9 Countries)
* Source: National Immigration Administration Official Announcement
Permitted Regions (24 Areas)
* When entering through Shanghai, you can also travel to Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces (Yangtze River Delta region)
Important Notes
- - 240 hours are counted from midnight on the day after entry (entry day not included)
- - Traveling outside designated areas results in loss of visa-free status - illegal stay
- - If your departure flight is cancelled, you must immediately apply for a visa
- - You cannot return to the same country (Country A - China - Country A is not allowed)
Entry Procedure (Shanghai Pudong Airport)
Fill Out Arrival Card
Fill out the arrival card distributed on the plane. Write your accommodation address accurately in English or Chinese.
Wait at Immigration
Go to the "Foreigners" lane. If there's a dedicated visa-free lane, use that one.
Present Documents
Present your passport, arrival card, and departure ticket (e-ticket). Have your hotel reservation confirmation ready as well.
Fingerprint & Photo
Your fingerprints (both index fingers) will be scanned and a photo will be taken. Please remove glasses and hats.
Entry Complete!
Your passport will be stamped with the entry date and stay deadline. Be sure to check the deadline.
Essential Things to Know
Prohibited Activities
- - Employment
- - Study/Training
- - Religious activities, Journalism
- - Overstaying
Accommodation Registration
Hotels automatically register you. If staying at Airbnb or private accommodation, you must register at the nearest police station within 24 hours.
Carry Your Passport
Always carry your original passport when going out. Police may request ID verification, and not having it can result in a fine.
Emergency Contacts
- - Police: 110
- - Ambulance: 120
- - US Embassy Beijing: +86-10-8531-4000
Visa Check Complete! Next Steps
Now that you've checked the entry requirements, let's set up the essential apps.