China's National Immigration Administration has published the updated list of 55 countries whose citizens are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit programme in 2026. The policy allows qualifying travellers to transit through designated Chinese cities and ports for up to 10 days without a traditional visa, provided they hold valid travel documents and onward tickets to a third country or region.
Eligible Countries by Region
The list spans Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Asia. Europe leads with 40 countries: 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, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, and Norway.
The Americas contribute six countries: United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. Oceania includes Australia and New Zealand. Asia has seven countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Indonesia.
How the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Works
Eligible travellers may remain in approved transit areas of China for up to 240 hours (10 days) while waiting for onward travel to a third country or region. The policy applies only to passengers who satisfy immigration requirements, including holding valid travel documents and confirmed onward tickets. It is intended strictly for transit purposes and does not replace a standard Chinese visa for journeys that fall outside the programme's conditions.
Chinese immigration authorities retain the final decision on admission at the port of entry. According to the National Immigration Administration, the scheme is designed to facilitate international travel and tourism by allowing qualifying passengers to remain in approved transit areas before continuing to another country or region.
Nigerian Passport Holders Not Eligible
Nigerian passport holders are not included among the 55 countries eligible for the visa-free transit arrangement. This means Nigerians cannot use the 240-hour transit policy to enter China without a visa, even for transit purposes. For travellers whose itineraries do not meet the programme's requirements, a regular Chinese visa is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries qualify for China's 240-hour visa-free transit in 2026? China currently allows citizens of 55 countries across Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Asia to use the programme.
Can Nigerians use China's 240-hour visa-free transit? No. Nigeria is not on the current list of eligible countries.
How long can eligible travellers stay? Eligible travellers may remain in approved transit areas for up to 240 hours (10 days), subject to immigration conditions.
Does the policy allow travellers to enter China for tourism? The scheme is intended for transit passengers travelling onward to a third country or region. Travellers whose trips do not meet the programme's requirements may need to obtain a regular Chinese visa.
Does visa-free transit guarantee entry into China? No. Chinese immigration officers make the final decision on admission after verifying that travellers satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Before travelling, passengers should confirm that their nationality, travel itinerary, and transit route qualify under China's current visa-free transit policy. Since immigration rules may change, travellers are advised to verify the latest requirements with China's National Immigration Administration before departure.
In related news, Legit.ng previously reported on countries whose residents need no visa to enter China, as well as South Korea's updated visa-free entry frameworks for international travelers, including specific visa-free stay limits for global citizens.
