China Visa-Free 240 Hours 2026: Complete Guide

China's visa-free 240 hours policy has become one of the most talked-about travel developments in recent years. Since its expansion in December 2024, this scheme has opened up China to millions of travellers who can now transit through the country for up to 10 days without applying for a visa in advance. But what exactly is the China visa free 240 hours policy, who qualifies, and most importantly, what does it mean for Indian travellers?

This comprehensive guide answers all those questions. We cover the 55 eligible countries, 60 designated ports, 24 open provinces, the "third country" rule, step-by-step application process, and what Indian passport holders need to know about the China visa free 240 hours policy. For Indians, the key takeaway is that India is not on the eligibility list, so we also provide a complete guide to applying for a standard China visa through the COVA and CVASC system.

What Is the China Visa-Free 240 Hours Policy?

The China visa free 240 hours policy, also known as the 240-hour visa-free transit, is a Chinese government scheme that allows citizens of 55 eligible countries to enter China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting to a third country or region. The policy was significantly expanded in December 2024 by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), replacing the earlier 72-hour and 144-hour transit schemes.

This China visa free 240 hours policy represents the most substantial visa liberalisation China has ever undertaken. Key improvements from the earlier schemes include:

• Stay period increased from 72/144 hours to 240 hours (10 days)
• Designated ports expanded from 39 to 60
• Open provinces increased from 19 to 24
• Cross-province travel now permitted within designated regions
• New port types added, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and West Kowloon Express Rail Station
• Travel permitted for tourism, business, exchange visits, and family visits

The China visa free 240 hours 2026 update saw the addition of Indonesia to the eligible countries list (June 2025), bringing the total to 55. The policy continues to evolve, so travellers should always verify the latest requirements on the NIA website before planning their trip.

55 Eligible Countries for China Visa-Free 240 Hours

Here is the complete list of 55 countries whose citizens can use the China visa free 240 hours policy, grouped by region:

If you hold a passport from any of the 55 eligible countries, you can enjoy China visa free 240 hours of transit stay. The 240-hour clock starts at midnight after your arrival day, giving you up to 10 full calendar days to explore China.

60 Designated Ports of Entry

The China visa free 240 hours policy is valid only at 60 specific ports of entry. These include major international airports, selected seaports, and land border crossings:

The 21 ports added in the 2024 expansion include airports in Taiyuan, Wuxi, Yangzhou, Wenzhou, Yiwu, Hefei, Huangshan, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Wuyishan, Nanchang, Jinan, Yantai, Weihai, Zhangjiajie, Nanning, Beihai, Haikou, Sanya, Chengdu (Tianfu), and Guiyang.

24 Open Provinces and Excluded Regions

Travellers using the China visa free 240 hours scheme can visit 24 provincial-level regions. The 7 excluded regions require separate visas or permits:

You can freely travel between the 24 open provinces within your 240-hour window. For example, fly into Beijing, take the high-speed train to Shanghai, visit Hangzhou and Xi'an, and depart from Guangzhou — all under the China visa free 240 hours policy. However, entering any of the 7 excluded regions requires additional permits or a standard visa.

Third Country Rule

The most critical requirement of the China visa free 240 hours policy is the "third country" rule. Your journey must follow this pattern: Country A → China → Country B, where Country A and Country B are different.

• Valid: London (UK) → Beijing (China) → Bangkok (Thailand)
• Valid: New York (USA) → Shanghai (China) → Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)
• Invalid: London (UK) → Beijing (China) → London (UK) — round trips do not qualify
• Invalid: Dubai (UAE) → Guangzhou (China) → Dubai (UAE) — must have a third country

Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate regions for this rule. So a flight from China to Hong Kong is a valid onward leg.

Step-by-Step: How to Use China Visa-Free 240 Hours

If you hold a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries, here is how to use the China visa free 240 hours transit:

Required Documents Checklist

China Visa-Free 240 Hours for Indian Passport Holders

As of July 2026, there is no China visa free 240 hours for Indians. This is the most important fact for our Indian readers to understand. Despite China expanding the policy to 55 countries, Indian passport holders are not eligible and cannot use this transit scheme.

If you hold an Indian passport and wish to travel to China, you must apply for a standard China visa. Here is a quick overview of your options:

For detailed information on each visa type, the application process, required documents, and fees, visit our complete China visa guide for Indians.

How to Apply for a China Visa from India

1. Complete COVA online form at the China Online Visa Application portal
2. Prepare documents: Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages), completed application form, passport photo (33mm x 48mm), travel itinerary, hotel bookings, flight reservations, and supporting documents based on visa type
3. Visit CVASC centre: Submit at the China Visa Application Service Centre in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Kochi
4. Pay fees: Visa fee + biometric fee (if applicable)
5. Track application: Use the China visa tracking portal to monitor progress
6. Collect passport with visa sticker

For a complete document checklist, see our China visa documents guide. For photo specifications, visit our China visa photo requirements page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the China visa-free 240 hours policy?

The China visa free 240 hours policy allows citizens of 55 eligible countries to enter China and stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa when transiting to a third country. It replaced the 144-hour scheme in December 2024 and covers 60 ports and 24 provinces.

Can Indians use the China visa-free 240 hours policy?

No. There is no China visa free 240 hours for Indians. Indian passport holders must apply for a standard China visa. Visit our China visa guide for detailed information on visa types and the application process.

Which countries are eligible for China visa-free 240 hours?

55 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, all EU/Schengen countries, Russia, Brazil, UAE, Qatar, and Indonesia. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, and most African countries are not eligible.

How long can I stay under the China visa-free 240 hours policy?

You can stay for up to 240 hours (10 days). The clock starts at midnight after your arrival day. For example, arriving at any time on July 10 means your 240 hours begin at 12:00 AM on July 11.

Can I visit multiple cities under the China visa-free 240 hours?

Yes. You can travel freely within the 24 open provinces. Enter through Beijing, visit Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and depart from Guangzhou — all within the same 240-hour window. The 7 excluded regions (Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Jilin) are not accessible.

Is a return ticket allowed under the China visa-free 240 hours policy?

No. You must have an onward ticket to a third country or region different from your starting country. Round-trip tickets from your home country to China and back do not qualify. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate regions.

Can I work or study under the China visa-free 240 hours?

No. The policy strictly prohibits employment, study, and journalistic activities. Only tourism, business meetings, exchange visits, and family visits are permitted. For work or study, apply for the appropriate China visa (Z visa for work, X visa for study).

How many ports accept the China visa-free 240 hours transit?

There are 60 designated ports including major international airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc.), selected seaports, and land border crossings like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

What documents do I need for China visa-free 240 hours?

You need a valid passport (3+ months validity, 2 blank pages), a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, and a completed China Digital Arrival Card (free QR code). Hotel bookings and travel insurance are recommended but not mandatory.

Does the China visa-free 240 hours policy include Hong Kong and Macau?

The policy applies to Mainland China only. Hong Kong and Macau have their own visa-free arrangements. However, travelling from Mainland China to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan counts as a valid third-country onward leg for the transit policy.

Conclusion

China's visa-free 240 hours policy is a game-changer for travellers from 55 eligible countries, offering 10 days of visa-free access across 24 provinces through 60 ports. The policy is free, requires no advance application, and permits multi-city travel within designated regions — making it one of the most attractive transit schemes in Asia.

For Indian travellers, the reality is that there is no China visa free 240 hours for Indians. However, the standard China visa process through COVA and CVASC is straightforward, with application centres in 7 Indian cities. With proper documentation and guidance, obtaining a China visa is a manageable process.

For comprehensive China visa information tailored for Indian applicants, explore these resources:

• China Visa Guide for Indians – Complete visa types, fees, and process
• China Visa Requirements – Detailed document checklist
• China Visa Documents 2026 – Required documentation guide
• China Visa Photo Requirements – Photo specifications for Indian applicants
• China Visa Tracking Portal – Track your application status online

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Visa-free transit policies, eligible countries, port availability, and permitted areas are subject to change at the discretion of the Chinese government. Always verify current requirements on the official NIA website or Chinese Embassy website before making travel arrangements. Information is accurate as of July 2026.