China has rolled out a 240-hour visa-free transit policy allowing nationals of 55 countries to enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region.

Eligible travelers may enter visa-free through any of the 65 open exit-entry ports and make cross-province visits in the permitted areas in the 24 provincial-level regions for no more than 240 hours, provided that they hold valid international travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed seats and departure dates.

During their stay, foreign nationals covered by the policy may engage in activities such as tourism, business, visits, and family reunions. However, activities such as work, study, or news reporting still require prior approval and the appropriate visa.

Here is the list of countries eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy:

Europe (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, and Norway.

Americas (6): The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.

Oceania (2): Australia, and New Zealand.

Asia (7): The Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Indonesia.

Eligible ports and permitted stay areas

Click here for more information about the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. 

Source: National Immigration Administration