China has expanded its visa-free transit programme, now allowing nationals of 57 countries to stay for up to 10 days without a visa when travelling onward to a third destination. The latest update, effective August 20, 2026, added Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam to the list of eligible nationalities. Covering 65 ports of entry across 24 provinces, the 240-hour policy strengthens China's role as a global transit hub.
What is China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
China's visa-free transit policy permits eligible travellers to enter the country without a visa and remain for up to 240 hours (10 days) in designated areas. The stay is only valid if China is a genuine transit point between two different countries or regions. For example, a valid itinerary would be US to China to Japan, while an invalid itinerary would be US to China to US. Hong Kong and Macao count as third regions, meaning itineraries such as New York to Shanghai to Hong Kong may qualify. This exemption is not a standard tourist visa waiver; travellers must prove onward travel to a third destination.
Eligible countries for China's 10-day visa-free transit
As of August 20, 2026, nationals of 57 countries are eligible. Europe accounts for 40 countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The Americas contribute 6 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States. Oceania includes 2 countries: Australia and New Zealand. Asia has 9 countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Indonesia joined in June 2025, raising the number to 55. The addition of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam now brings the total to 57.
Ports of entry and permitted travel areas
The programme covers 65 authorised ports of entry across 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Five new ports in Guangdong Province were added in November 2025. Travellers must remain within designated areas during their stay. The 240-hour period begins from the moment of entry into China; travellers must depart within the 10-day limit to remain compliant. The expansion of China's visa-free transit programme makes the country more accessible to international travellers, encourages short-term visits, boosts tourism, and strengthens China's role as a global transit hub.
