China 240-hour Transit Visa: Visa-Free Rules & Eligible Countries

If you plan to travel or transit in China, then China 240-hour Transit Visa are something you must understand and prepare for. This blog will tell you everything, you must read it before you go to China!

What is the China 240-hour Transit Visa-Exemption Policy?

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With the approval of the State Council, citizens from 55 countries eligible for the 240-hour transit visa-exemption policy may enter China without a visa. To qualify, travelers must hold a valid international travel document and an interline ticket with a confirmed date and seat for travel to a third country (region). Eligible travelers may enter through any of the 60 designated open ports across 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and remain within the specified areas for a duration not exceeding 240 hours.

During their stay, individuals entering under this policy may engage in activities such as tourism, business, visits, and family reunions. Activities requiring prior approval—such as work, study, or news reporting—still require a pre-approved visa before traveling to China.

For reference only, check latest information on official website.

Are Australians Eligible for the 240-hour Transit Visa-Exemption Policy?

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The answer is Yes. Australians are eligible for 240-hour transit visa in China, here are other countries who are also eligible:

Entry for Multi-Policy Eligible Travelers

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport - Wikipedia

For citizens of countries that qualify for mutual visa exemption or unilateral visa-free entry as well as the 240-hour transit visa exemption, how should they handle entry procedures?

Travelers who qualify for both a Mutual Visa-Exemption Agreement (or Unilateral Visa-Free Policy) and the 240-hour Transit Visa-Exemption Policy may follow the regulations of the former to process their entry.

I. Unilateral Visa-Free Entry (35 Countries)

Citizens from the following 35 countries who hold ordinary passports may enter China under the unilateral visa-free policy (excluding activities requiring prior approval, such as work, study, or news reporting):

• Europe (30): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Monaco.
• Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand.
• Asia (3): South Korea, Japan, Brunei.

II. Mutual Visa-Exemption Entry (7 Countries)

Citizens from the following 7 countries who hold ordinary passports may enter China under mutual visa-exemption agreements:

• Europe (4): Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belarus.
• Asia (3): Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

Which Exit Ports Work for China 240-hour Transit Visa-Exemption Policy?

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Any Restrictions of Departure and the Destination for the 240-hour Transit Visa?

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Requirement for Destination (Third Country or Region)

The 240-hour transit visa-exemption policy is specifically applicable to foreign nationals who are transiting to a third country or region. This means the country/region of departure (where you come from) and the country/region of destination (where you go next) must be different.

Example:

If a traveler arrives in Guangzhou from Sydney, Australia, their next destination after transiting must be a third country or region other than Australia.

• Valid Route: Sydney (Australia) - Guangzhou (China) - Hanoi (Vietnam)
• Invalid Route: Sydney (Australia) - Guangzhou (China) - Melbourne (Australia)

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