240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: The Complete Guide (2026 Update)
Everything you need to know about China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Compare with 30-day visa-free entry, check eligibility, and plan your Shanghai trip.
Two Visa-Free Options for Visiting China
Planning a trip to China? You’ve got two visa-free options to choose from. Here’s how they stack up:
📅 Last updated: January 2026 (per National Immigration Administration official announcements)
| Policy | Stay Duration | Third-Country Ticket | Regional Limits | Valid Until |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Visa-Free | 30 days | ❌ Not required | ❌ None | Dec 31, 2026 |
| 240-Hour Transit | 10 days | ✅ Required | ✅ 24 provinces | Permanent |
30-Day vs. 240-Hour: Which One Should You Pick?
For Most Travelers: Go with 30-Day Visa-Free
| Your Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Just visiting Shanghai | ✅ 30-Day Visa-Free |
| Round-trip ticket (Home ↔ China) | ✅ 30-Day Visa-Free |
| Staying 10+ days | ✅ 30-Day Visa-Free |
| Visiting areas outside the 24 provinces | ✅ 30-Day Visa-Free |
| Actually transiting to a third country | ✅ 240-Hour Transit |
💡 Pro tip: The 30-day option is way more flexible—no third-country ticket needed, and you can travel anywhere in China.
When 240-Hour Transit Makes Sense
- You’re genuinely passing through (e.g., Seoul → Shanghai → Tokyo)
- Short layover under 10 days
- You already have a confirmed ticket to your next destination
⚠️ Heads up: A round-trip ticket (Seoul → Shanghai → Seoul) does NOT qualify for 240-hour transit! Use the 30-day visa-free option instead.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: The Details
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (240小时过境免签) |
| Eligible Countries | 55 countries |
| Max Stay | 240 hours (10 days) |
| Effective Date | December 17, 2024 |
The Big Upgrade: 144 Hours → 240 Hours
In December 2024, China significantly expanded the transit policy:
| What Changed | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 72/144 hours | 240 hours (10 days) |
| Entry Ports | 39 | 65 |
| Covered Regions | 19 provinces | 24 provinces |
| Inter-Province Travel | Limited | Free within 24 provinces |
The Third-Country Ticket Rule
To use 240-hour transit, you must have a confirmed ticket to a third country.
This works ✅:
- Korea → Shanghai → Japan
- Korea → Beijing → Thailand
- Korea → Guangzhou → Vietnam
This doesn’t work ❌:
- Korea → Shanghai → Korea (round-trip)
- Korea → Shanghai (one-way, no onward flight)
Where You Can Go (24 Provinces/Regions)
Full access (18 regions):
- Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang
- Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Chongqing
- Anhui, Hainan, Guizhou, Shaanxi
Select cities only (6 regions):
| Province | Allowed Cities |
|---|---|
| Heilongjiang | Harbin only |
| Shanxi | Taiyuan, Datong |
| Jiangxi | Nanchang, Jingdezhen |
| Guangxi | Nanning, Guilin + 10 more |
| Sichuan | Chengdu + 10 more |
| Yunnan | Kunming, Lijiang + 7 more |
30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free: The Details
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | 30-Day Unilateral Visa Exemption |
| Max Stay | 30 days |
| Effective (varies by country) | Check your eligibility |
| Valid Until | December 31, 2026 |
Why It’s the Better Choice
| Advantage | What It Means |
|---|---|
| No third-country ticket needed | Round-trip is fine |
| No regional limits | Travel anywhere in China |
| Longer stay | Up to 30 days |
| Any entry port | All international ports nationwide |
Allowed Activities
✅ Tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, transit
❌ Employment, study, long-term residence, journalism
Entry Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Fill Out Your Arrival Card Online (Optional but Recommended)
Since November 2025, you can submit your arrival card online before you fly.
| Channel | How |
|---|---|
| Official Website | s.nia.gov.cn |
| NIA 12367 App | iOS/Android |
| WeChat Mini Program | Search “入境卡填报” |
| Alipay Mini Program | Search “入境卡填报” |
- Submit up to 6 days before arrival
- It’s free (any site charging money is a scam!)
- You can still fill out a paper form at the airport
Step 2: Immigration Inspection
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Join the foreigners’ line |
| 2 | Present passport + arrival card |
| 3 | Answer questions about your trip and accommodation |
| 4 | Get your entry stamp |
| 5 | Collect bags → clear customs |
💡 Typical wait time: 15-45 minutes depending on the queue
Step 3: Register Your Accommodation (Within 24 Hours)
All foreigners must register their accommodation within 24 hours of entry!
| Accommodation Type | How to Register |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Automatic at check-in |
| Airbnb/Friend’s place | In person at the local police station |
⚠️ Skip this and you could face: Warning + up to ¥2,000 (~$280) fine
How to Calculate Your Stay
Your stay period starts at midnight the day after you arrive.
Example: You land at 3 PM on January 22
| Policy | Clock Starts | Must Leave By |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Visa-Free | Jan 23, 00:00 | Feb 21, 23:59 |
| 240-Hour Transit | Jan 23, 00:00 | Feb 1, 23:59 |
Overstay Penalties
| How Long Over | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Per day | ¥500 (~$70) fine |
| Maximum fine | ¥10,000 (~$1,400) |
| Over 1 month | 5-15 days detention |
| Serious cases | Deportation + 10-year entry ban |
💡 Need more time? Apply for an extension at the PSB at least 7 days before your stay expires!
Shanghai Entry Ports
Airports
| Airport | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pudong International | PVG | Most international flights |
| Hongqiao International | SHA | Domestic + some international |
Direct Flights from Major Hubs
Flight time from Seoul/Tokyo: ~2 hours
Major carriers: Korean Air, Asiana, China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines, ANA, JAL
Emergency Contacts
Hotlines
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 110 |
| Fire/Ambulance | 119/120 |
| Immigration Hotline | 12367 |
| Shanghai Tourism | 021-962020 |
Consulate Information
Check your country’s consulate in Shanghai for emergency assistance. Most maintain 24-hour emergency lines for citizens.
FAQs
Q: Can I use 240-hour transit with a round-trip ticket?
No. A round-trip ticket doesn’t qualify—you need a third-country destination. Use the 30-day visa-free option instead.
Q: Can I travel from Shanghai to Beijing?
Yes, with either policy. The 30-day option lets you go anywhere; the 240-hour option covers 24 provinces including both cities.
Q: Can I extend my stay?
Yes, if you have a valid reason. Apply at the PSB at least 7 days before expiration. Processing takes about 7 days.
Q: What’s the passport validity requirement?
Technically, it just needs to cover your stay, but 6+ months validity is strongly recommended.
Q: I’m staying at an Airbnb—what do I do?
Register at the local police station within 24 hours of check-in. You’ll need your passport and your host’s ID.
Related Guides
- 30-Day Visa-Free Complete Guide
- Airport Entry Procedures
- Stay Regulations & Extensions
- Setting Up WeChat Pay
Official Sources
This guide reflects policies as of January 2026. Always verify current rules on official sites before traveling.
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