Short answer: As of 29 October 2026, citizens of 57 countries with ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for up to 10 days when they are on the way to a third country or region and arrive through one of 65 designated ports. Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam were added on 20 August 2026. Pick your passport and entry port below.
The conditions, in the NIA's words
You hold an ordinary passport of one of the 57 eligible countries.
You are transiting through China to a third country or region, with an onward ticket with a confirmed seat and departure date.
You enter through one of the 65 designated ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.
You stay no more than 10 days (240 hours) and only inside the permitted areas. Cross-province travel is allowed between the permitted areas of the 24 provinces.
Allowed: tourism, business, visits, family reunions. Not allowed without a proper visa: work, study, news reporting.
Which countries can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit?
Ordinary passport holders of 57 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, most of Europe, Indonesia, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan. Source: NIA, page dated 20 August 2026, verified 29 October 2026.
How long can I stay?
No more than 10 days (240 hours), inside the permitted areas.
What ticket do I need?
An onward ticket with a confirmed seat and departure date to a third country or region.
Last verified against the NIA page: 29 October 2026. This site is not run by the Chinese government. Rules can change at short notice; check the NIA page or call the NIA 12367 service hotline (+86-12367) before you fly.