In short
China offers two transit visa-free routes described by the National Immigration Administration. A foreign traveler using an international aircraft, ship, or train to a third country or region may enter without a visa for no more than 24 hours if holding a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward through-ticket, provided the traveler remains within the port’s designated area. Leaving that area requires a temporary entry permit. For eligible travelers from 57 countries who hold ordinary passports and confirmed onward itineraries, the 240-hour policy permits stays of no more than 10 days through any of 65 open ports in 24 provinces, but only within designated activity areas. Tourism, business, visits, and family visits are allowed; work, study, and news reporting still require prior approval and an appropriate visa.
The 24-hour route
A foreign traveler using an international aircraft, ship, or train to a third country or region may enter without a visa for no more than 24 hours if holding a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward through-ticket. The traveler must remain within the port’s designated area; leaving it requires a temporary entry permit.
The 240-hour route
Eligible travelers from 57 countries who hold ordinary passports and confirmed onward itineraries may stay for no more than 240 hours, or 10 days, through any of 65 open ports in 24 provinces. They must remain within designated activity areas.
Allowed and restricted activities
The 240-hour policy allows tourism, business, visits, and family visits. Work, study, and news reporting still require prior approval and an appropriate visa.