China expands 240-hour visa-free transit to 55 countries

As of June 2025, China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy applies to travellers from 55 eligible countries. 

This policy allows qualifying visitors to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country and enter through one of 60 designated ports across 24 provinces.

Eligible Countries for China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Europe (40 countries)

Including all Schengen Area countries and several others:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Ireland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Monaco

• Montenegro

• Netherlands

• North Macedonia

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Russia

• San Marino

• Serbia

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Ukraine

• United Kingdom

  
  

Americas (6 countries)

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Canada

• Chile

• Mexico

• United States

  
  

  
  

Asia (6 countries)

• Brunei

• Japan

• Republic of Korea (South Korea)

• Singapore

• Qatar

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  
  

  
  

Oceania (2 countries)

• Australia

• New Zealand

  
  

  
  

This expanded policy is part of China's efforts to promote international travel, tourism, and business exchanges. 

Travellers must meet specific criteria, including holding a valid passport, having a confirmed onwards ticket to a third country within 240 hours, and entering through one of the designated ports. 

During their stay, they are permitted to engage in tourism, business, cultural exchanges, and family visits, but not employment, study, or journalistic activities.