Plan Your China Trip Using the 10-Day (240-Hour)
Visa-Free Transit Policy
Written by Nicole Chen ｜ Updated Dec. 19, 2024
As China continues to ease its visa policies, citizens from 43 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and more can now enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 30 days.
In addition, China has now introduced a 10-day visa-free transit policy to further welcome international tourists.
Even if you are not from the above-mentioned 43 countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada, you can still enjoy a 10-day (including the day of arrival, which makes it 11 days) visa-free stay in China if you meet the following conditions:
You are from one of the 55 eligible countries.
The trip must be within the 10-day visa-free area. Most areas of China are included, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc.
You must transit to a third country or region.
10-Day Visa-Free Zones
The 10-day transit visa exemption policy applies to most cities and regions in China. You are free to choose your destination within the permitted areas. (Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia and Jilin are not eligible for the 10-day transit visa exemption policy.)
Here are some popular itineraries for a 10-day (11 days including the arrival day) visa-free trip to China:
>10-day tour of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai
>10-day tour of Beijing, Chengdu (Panda), Chongqing (spicy hot pot)
>8-day tour of Harbin ( Ice and Snow World), Mohe (Aurora) Tour
If you want to extend your trip to popular destinations such as Xinjiang, the Silk Road or Tibet, we can assist you in applying for a port visa without going to the embassy for an interview.
Please contact us to design your visa-free itinerary or apply for a port visa.
55 countries eligible for the policy
· Asia (7 countries) : Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia
· Europe (40 countries) : Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom
· The Americas (6 countries) : Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Chile, the United States
· Oceania (2 countries) : Australia, New Zealand
Under the 10-day visa-free transit policy, you must continue to a third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) after your stay in the Chinese mainland.
Examples of valid and invalid itineraries:
✔ USA—Beijing—Shanghai—Hong Kong—USA
✔ Japan—Harbin—Mohe—Hong Kong—Beijing—Shanghai—USA
✔ USA—Beijing—Shanghai—Japan
✘ USA—Beijing—Shanghai—Xi'an—USA
Tips: Hong Kong is a good city that can be utilized to extend your 240-hour stay or as a third region for entry or exit.
Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore are great options to combine with China to take advantage of the 10-day transit visa exemption. These countries offer visa-free entry to most countries or simply apply for a simple e-visa.
If you have more ideas, feel free to contact us. All our itineraries can be customized/adapted to your interests and needs.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Procedure
1. Choose Port (listed as below).
Enter China via any designated visa-exemption port.
2. Visa-Free Channel
Follow signs to the "240-Hour Visa-Free Transit" counter.
3. Submit Documents
Provide required materials as requested:
Valid passport
Hotel booking confirmation
Onward ticket to a third country
Arrival/Departure card (completed)
Third-country visa (if applicable)
4. Clear Customs
After approval, collect luggage and complete customs checks.
5. Start Your Trip
Proceed to exit and begin your visa-free transit activities.
When you book your trip with THE-STARS, we want to ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. A friendly driver holding a sign with your name, greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. If you encounter any issues during the immigration process, your guide or travel consultant will be on hand to assist you.
Why choose THE-STARS
(2,000 reviews, a 98.6% five-star rating)
Save your time：
· Less searching, more fun!
· Real-time one-on-one expert planning
Maximize your flexibility:
· Private local guides and cycling services
· Explore at your own pace
Experience your Chinese story:
· Authentic local culture and lifestyle
· Understand the local culture through experience
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