240-HOUR VISA-FREE TRANSIT | SIGN CHINA | Global Signage, Digital Printing, LED & Digital Signage Expo

China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible foreign travelers to enter and stay in designated areas of China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, provided they meet the relevant requirements. The policy is available to citizens of 57 eligible countries.

Eligible Countries

Europe(40)

Americas(6)

Oceania(2)

Asia(9)

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus, and Norway.

The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.

Australia, and New Zealand.

The Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, and Vietnam.

Documents Required

A valid passport issued by the 57 countries mentioned above.

A connecting ticket to a third country or region with a confirmed seat and date within 240 hours.

The arrival card for foreigners in transit that is filled out upon arrival in China.

NOTICE:

For more information about exit-entry policies, call +86-21-12367 (Shanghai) or +86-755-12367 (Shenzhen)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

Yes. There is no age limit. Children are also eligible if they meet the relevant requirements and have the necessary travel documents.

Which ports in China are covered by the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

The policy covers 65 designated ports across 24 provincial-level regions in China. Eligible travelers can move within the permitted areas during their stay.

How is the duration of the 240-hour visa-free transit calculated?

The 240-hour period starts at 00:00 on the day following your arrival. Eligible travelers can stay for up to 10 days and travel across the permitted areas in the 24 provincial-level regions.

Can I travel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

Yes. Hong Kong is considered a third region under the policy. Eligible travelers can transit through Shenzhen between Hong Kong and another country or region, provided they meet the relevant requirements.

Shenzhen is just a 14-minute high-speed train ride from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.

If I am an Australian citizen traveling from Sydney to Shanghai and then to Melbourne, am I eligible?

The policy requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region within 240 hours. Since Australia is your country of departure and destination, this route does not qualify. You would need an onward ticket to a third destination, such as Singapore or Malaysia.

Can I use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy if I already have a valid Chinese visa?

Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy generally takes priority. If you need to stay longer than 240 hours, you can request to enter using your valid Chinese visa instead.

What if I need to leave the permitted areas or stay longer than 240 hours?

Travelers must stay within the permitted areas and leave China within the allowed 240-hour period. If special circumstances require you to stay longer or travel outside these areas, you must apply for a stay permit through the local public security bureau's exit-entry administration department.