Your Guide to the 240-Hour Visa Free China (China Visa-Free Policy)
Question 1: How do I apply for the 10-day visa-free transit at Chinese ports of entry?
To qualify for visa-free entry, you must meet all three of the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of one of the 54 China visa free countries.
- Hold a valid passport (with at least 3 months of validity) and meet the entry requirements for a third country or region.
- You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
- The ticket should include the date and seat number, and the departure must be within 240 hours of your arrival in China.
In addition, travelers must complete a Temporary Entry Card for Foreign Nationals and undergo border inspection upon arrival.
Question 2: How is the 240-hour stay period calculated?
The stay period begins at 00:00 (midnight) on the day after your arrival in China.
For example:
- If you arrive on April 7, your visa-free stay officially begins at 12:00 a.m. on April 8.
- You must depart before 11:59 p.m. on April 17, giving you up to 10 full days in China.
Question 3: What are the permitted areas for travel during the 240-hour visa free travel to China?
With the Chinese new visa policy, you can travel across 24 provinces and cities in China, not just the city you landed in.
This is an upgrade from the 144 hour visa China policy, which restricted movement to the city of arrival.
You can enter China through any of 60 designated international ports. And you have the flexibility to plan your travel route within the approved regions.
Question 4: What if I need to stay longer or travel beyond the permitted regions?
If you need to stay longer due to an emergency (such as illness) or another valid reason, you may apply for a stay permit at the local immigration office.
- Supporting documentation will be required to justify your request.
Question 5: How is the 240-hour visa-free transit different from other visa-free policies?
Several of the 54 eligible countries—France, Australia, South Korea, the UAE, and others—also have visa exemption agreements with China.
This allows travelers from these countries to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.
Travelers should compare policies and choose the one that best fits their travel plans and duration.
Travelers should compare the China visa-free policies and choose the one that best fits their travel plans and duration, especially for countries like Australia, France, where travelers may have different visa options depending on the length of their stay.
Still have questions about the 240-hour no visa to China?
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