Do Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan count as a third region?

Under the transit rule they are treated as separate regions from the mainland, so an onward ticket to Hong Kong, China or Macao, China generally satisfies the third-region requirement. Confirm on en.nia.gov.cn for your passport.

Can I enter in one city and leave from another?

Yes, as long as both are designated ports and your route stays inside the permitted areas.

What if my onward flight is cancelled?

Visit the exit-entry administration office before your 240 hours expire to regularise your stay. Overstaying is taken seriously.

How does China's 240-hour visa-free transit work?

Short answer

The 240-hour transit exemption lets holders of 57 nationalities stay up to 10 days in permitted areas without a visa, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, bought before boarding. You must enter and leave through a designated port.

The two conditions people get wrong

The onward ticket must be to a THIRD country or region — flying back to your departure country does not qualify
The ticket must be purchased before you board the flight into China

Where you can go

Rules relaxed in December 2024: transit travellers may move across provinces inside the permitted areas rather than staying in a single city. The permitted areas cover most of the eastern and central provinces. Check the NIA list for your specific itinerary before you rely on it.

At check-in and on arrival

Airline staff verify the onward ticket — this is the step that fails, not immigration
Have the onward booking and your first night's accommodation printed or offline
Hotel check-in registers you; staying privately means registering with police within 24 hours

Related guides

Where these matter

Beijing

Official sources

Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.