Last reviewed: July 22, 2026. Entry policies can change; verify the rules for your passport and itinerary before booking transport.
China Visa-Free Entry and Transit: What Travelers Should Check
China has several visa-exemption arrangements, including bilateral agreements, unilateral visa-free entry for eligible passports, 24-hour transit and 240-hour visa-free transit. These programs have different nationality, route and port requirements.
24-hour visa-free transit
Foreign travelers transiting to a third country or region may qualify to remain in the restricted port area for up to 24 hours when they hold valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets. Travelers who need to leave the restricted area must obtain permission from the immigration inspection authority.
240-hour visa-free transit
The National Immigration Administration currently lists 55 eligible countries and 65 designated ports in 24 provincial-level regions. Eligible travelers must be in transit to a third country or region, hold confirmed onward tickets with dates and seats, enter through a designated port and remain within the permitted area for no more than 240 hours.
Xinjiang ports listed by the NIA include Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, Kashgar Laining International Airport and the Khorgos highway port. The permitted travel area and onward route still need to meet the policy requirements.
Before relying on visa-free travel
- Confirm that your nationality is eligible for the specific policy.
- Confirm that your arrival port, departure port and permitted travel area qualify.
- Make sure your onward journey is to a third country or region rather than a return to the place you arrived from.
- Check with the airline and the relevant Chinese embassy or immigration authority before departure.
Official sources: NIA visa-free transit policy and NIA port and arrival-card update.