China has expanded its transit visa policy for 2025, making it easier than ever to explore the country during a stopover or as part of a carefully planned journey en route to another destination.
Our guide covers what you need to know about China transit visas, how to make the most of the transit visa policy, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What is a transit visa?
A transit visa allows travelers to stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) while transiting to another country/destination. Unlike a regular tourist visa, which requires advance application and approval, the transit visa is visa-on-arrival — meaning travelers do not need to apply in advance. This offers travelers the flexibility to explore key regions of China during their stopover, without the need for a full tourist visa.
What to expect on arrival in China
Upon arrival in China, travelers will apply for a transit visa at the immigration counter. As part of the standard immigration process, the officer may ask a few routine questions, such as:
- The purpose of the visit (it could be for leisure, business, or another reason, as long as you are continuing to a third country)
- The intended length of stay
- The final destination and proof of onward travel (such as a flight ticket on your phone)
- Whether a visa or residence permit is required for entry into the third country (if applicable)
- Where you plan to stay during your transit period (it is helpful to have proof of hotel bookings, even for a short stay)
After the interview, the immigration officer will return the passport with a sticker indicating the port of entry and the type of visa issued. For a 240-hour visa-free transit, this sticker will specify the approved duration of stay.
How WildChina can help you prepare
While we do not offer visa services, our travel designers are here to assist with everything else. We help ensure that travelers have the support they need to navigate the transit visa process smoothly by securing essential bookings, such as flights, hotel accommodations, and transportation, to meet all visa requirements.
VIP arrival service
For travelers with transit visas arriving in China through the major ports of entry — Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou — WildChina can arrange VIP meet-and-greet services at the airport. This service includes personalized fast-track assistance through customs, immigration, and onward travel arrangements. Please note that in Shanghai, the only difference for transit visa travelers is that they will not have access to the fast-track lane at border control with the VIP service. Our team will facilitate a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel. Please reach out to us to confirm the availability and details of this service, to ensure it meets your specific needs.
Additional support from CIBT
WildChina recommends CIBT, a trusted global visa service provider. You can visit their website for detailed guidance on visa applications and regulations.
WildChina travelers from the US can enjoy an exclusive discount on CIBT services by using this link.
Frequently asked questions
The 240-hour transit visa is currently available to travelers from 54 eligible countries, allowing them to transit through China without requiring a full visa. Passport holders from the following countries are eligible:
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.
Before you plan your trip, check for any updates, as this list may change.
For a transit visa, travelers must arrive in China from one country/destination (A) and depart to a different country/destination (B). For example, for someone traveling from the United States (A) to Japan (B) with a layover in China, if they arrived in China from the US and departed to Japan, they would be eligible for a transit visa.
Hong Kong and Taiwan are eligible for arrival (A) or departure (B) destinations valid for the transit visa, as they are treated separately from mainland China for visa purposes. So, for example, traveling from Hong Kong or Taiwan to mainland China and then continuing to a third destination would be considered a valid transit under the 240-hour visa policy.
With a transit visa, travelers can explore designated regions of China and travel between these areas. The recent expansion of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy now includes 24 eligible regions, up from 19. Travelers can check here to see which specific areas within these regions are accessible.
The eligible regions that travelers can travel between are:
- Beijing
- Tianjin
- Hebei
- Liaoning
- Heilongjiang
- Shanghai
- Jiangsu
- Zhejiang
- Fujian
- Shandong
- Henan
- Hubei
- Hunan
- Guangdong
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (including Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Beihai, Wuzhou)
- Chongqing
- Sichuan
- Yunnan
- Shaanxi
- Shanxi (Taiyuan and Datong only)
- Anhui
- Jiangxi (Nanchang and Jingdezhen only)
- Hainan
- Guizhou
You can travel between eligible regions using various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and domestic flights. It is important to ensure that your travel route stays within these regions to comply with the regulations.
For official guidelines and the most up-to-date information, you can check the official Chinese government visa website. CIBT can also help guide you through this process.
You can arrive and depart from any of the 60 eligible ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China as part of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Please be aware that travelers arriving by cruise cannot take advantage of this policy.
You can check the ports here.
No, the entry and exit ports do not need to be the same, as long as both are eligible ports for the transit visa.
No, it is not necessary for the arrival and departure flights to be with the same airline. However, travelers must have a confirmed departure flight to a different (third) destination before arriving in China.
For more details or to start planning your transit journey through China, get in touch with us.
