ChinaHospital

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

China offers a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy for citizens of 55 countries. Eligible travelers may enter through 65 designated ports in 24 provincial-level regions and stay in permitted areas for no more than 10 days. For medical travelers, this can fit short consultations or diagnostics only when the itinerary genuinely qualifies as transit.

Last updated: 2025-07-04

Official reference ↗

Requirements

  • Valid Passport

    Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from China.

  • Confirmed Flight Tickets

    You must have confirmed onward tickets for a third country or region (Country A to China to Country B). Tickets must show dates within the 240-hour window.

  • Visa for Third Country

    If a visa is required for your destination country (Country B), you must have it before entering China.

  • Accommodation Details

    Proof of hotel booking or accommodation arrangements for your stay in China.

  • Entry/Exit Card

    Complete entry/exit registration form at immigration.

Eligible Countries (55)

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceJapanSouth KoreaSingaporeBrazilRussiaSpainItalyNetherlandsSwitzerlandSwedenNorwayDenmarkFinlandBelgiumAustriaPolandCzech RepublicHungaryPortugalIrelandGreeceAlbaniaBelarusBosnia and HerzegovinaBulgariaCroatiaCyprusEstoniaIcelandLatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaMonacoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaRomaniaSerbiaSlovakiaSloveniaUkraineNew ZealandMexicoArgentinaChileUnited Arab EmiratesQatarBruneiIndonesia

Sample Eligible Entry Cities

Beijing

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Guangzhou

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

Shenzhen

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)

Chengdu

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

Kunming

Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)

Xi'an

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

Restrictions

  • You cannot leave the designated permitted area (province/region) during your stay.
  • You must leave China within the permitted 240-hour window.
  • You cannot extend the 240-hour period.
  • You can engage in tourism activities, business activities, visits, and family reunions within the permitted area. Work, study, and news reporting require prior approvals and appropriate visas.

FAQ

Can I visit other cities during my 240-hour stay?

You can travel within the designated permitted area (province/region) if you arrived in that area. You cannot travel to other provinces or cities outside the permitted zone.

What happens if I overstay the 240-hour period?

Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and being blacklisted from future entry to China. Ensure you leave within the allowed time.

Can I use the 240-hour visa-free policy multiple times?

Yes, you can use it multiple times, but each visit must meet the eligibility criteria (Country A → China → Country B).

Do I need to book medical appointments in advance?

Yes, we strongly recommend booking medical appointments before your trip to ensure availability and proper coordination.

Can I bring my family members?

Yes, eligible family members can accompany you if they also meet the 240-hour visa-free requirements.

What activities are allowed during the 240-hour transit?

You can engage in tourism activities, business activities, visits, and family reunions within the permitted area. Work, study, and news reporting still require prior approvals and appropriate visas.

How do I fill out the arrival card (temporary entry permit) form?

After arriving and passing through customs, go to the 240-hour visa-free transit registration desk in the arrival hall. Fill out the arrival card registration form with: full name, passport number, nationality, flight information, and purpose of visit (medical tourism). The form is available at immigration counters in major Chinese airports.

What documents do I need to present at immigration?

You must present your valid passport, flight tickets (printed), and completed arrival form to the immigration officer for verification. The officer will verify your documents and 240-hour eligibility, then issue your temporary entry permit (arrival card) valid for 240 hours from time of issuance.

Need help planning your entry?

Our team can help you check whether your itinerary fits current official entry rules before you book appointments.

Contact us →