Plan Your China Journey with the 10-Day (240-Hour) Visa-Free Transit Policy

As China continues to ease its entry policies, citizens from 43 countries — including Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, and many others — can now enjoy visa-free travel in China for up to 30 days.

On top of this, China has introduced a 10-day visa-free transit policy to welcome even more international visitors.

Even if you're not from the 43 countries with 30-day visa-free entry — such as travelers from the US, UK, or Canada — you can still stay in China visa-free for up to 10 days (11 days counting your arrival day), as long as you meet the following requirements:

• You hold a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries.

• Your travel remains within the designated 10-day visa-free regions, which include most major destinations such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, and more.

• You are transiting through China to a third country or region.

If you'd like, I can also create a more promotional, concise, or FAQ-style version.

10-Day Visa-Free Zones

55 Countries Eligible for the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy

Americas (6 countries):
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and the United States

Europe (40 countries):
Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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, and the United Kingdom

Oceania (2 countries):
Australia and New Zealand

Asia (7 countries):
Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia

Transit to a Third Country or Region

To qualify for the 10-day visa-free transit policy, your trip must continue from mainland China to a third country or region — this includes Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

Valid and Invalid Itinerary Examples

✓ USA → Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong → USA

✓ Thailand → Beijing → Hong Kong → Shanghai → USA

Tip: Hong Kong is an excellent hub to extend your 240-hour stay or to serve as the required third region for either entry or exit.

✓ USA → Beijing → Japan

✗ USA → Beijing → USA
(Invalid because it does not continue to a third country/region.)

Countries such as Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Singapore pair perfectly with China for maximizing the 10-day visa-free transit. Most travelers enjoy visa-free entry or only need a simple eVisa for these destinations.

10-Day Visa-Free Visit to China in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Enter China through any of the approved ports listed for the 10-day visa-free transit program.
Step 2: Upon arrival, follow airport signs to the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit counter.
Step 3: Provide the required documents as instructed by immigration officers — including your passport, hotel reservations, onward ticket to a third country/region, arrival/departure card, and any necessary visa for your onward destination.
Step 4: After approval, collect your luggage and pass through customs.
Step 5: Exit the airport and start exploring China visa-free.

When you book a tour with China Highlights, we ensure your journey begins smoothly and stress-free. Your friendly guide will greet you at the airport with a personalized sign and escort you directly to your hotel. Should you encounter any issues during the entry process, your guide or dedicated travel consultant will be on hand to provide immediate assistance.

How Are the 10 Days Calculated?

The 10-day period begins at 00:00 on the day after you enter China.

For example, if you arrive in Shanghai at 6:00 a.m. on June 1, your 240-hour (10-day) countdown starts at 00:00 on June 2, and you may stay until 23:59 on June 11.

In other words, including your arrival day, you effectively enjoy up to 11 days in China without a visa.