Whether you’re landing in Beijing, flying out from Guangzhou, or making a stop in Shanghai, this policy opens the door to cross-province travel in 24 major regions — all without a traditional visa.
What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
It’s a special arrangement that allows eligible travelers to stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without needing a visa. You just need to be transiting through China en route to a third country or region — like flying from Germany to Thailand with a stop in Shanghai.
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a valid passport
- Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, or the UAE)
- Enter through an approved port listed under this policy
Eligible Countries (Full List)
Europe (40):
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Croatia, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway
Americas (6):
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Oceania (2):
Australia, New Zealand
Asia (7):
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia
If your country is listed, you’re one step closer to visiting China without a visa.
Where You Can Land — and Where You Can Go
You can enter through major international airports and seaports in cities like:
- Beijing (Capital International Airport, Daxing Airport)
- Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao Airports)
- Guangzhou & Shenzhen (Baiyun, Bao’an, and others)
- Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Nanjing, and more.
After arriving, you’re allowed to travel across neighboring cities or provinces, depending on your entry port. For example:
- Arrive in Beijing → travel across Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei
- Arrive in Guangzhou → explore all of Guangdong Province
- Arrive in Shanghai → stay within Shanghai
You can view the full list of ports and regions in the image provided above.
What You And Cannot Do
While this policy is flexible, there are limitations:
- You cannot work or be employed
- You cannot enroll in school
- You cannot conduct official reporting or long-term business
For those, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa before arriving in China.
Why This Matters for the Hafrik Community
Whether you’re a traveler, content creator, entrepreneur, or just curious about China — this visa-free policy makes short trips easier and more affordable.
Planning to:
- Visit friends or family?
- Explore a new Chinese city before heading to your final destination?
- Attend a business expo or networking event without needing a full visa?
The 240-hour visa-free transit could be perfect for you.
Need Help With Visas, Business Setup, or Long-Term Stays?
Hafrik works with trusted consultants who’ve helped thousands of foreigners live, work, and start businesses in China. If you’re considering more than just a visit, we can connect you with reliable visa agents and legal advisors.
Need support? Just message the Hafrik team or drop your questions in the Hafrik community groups.
Hafrik Tip:
If you’re traveling from one of the approved 55 countries and want to make a stop in China, double-check your ticket, choose the right entry port, and enjoy up to 10 days of visa-free discovery.
Stay tuned on Hafrik for more travel updates, city guides, and tips for foreigners living in China.
