2025 update: Citizens of 66+ countries can now enter China visa-free. The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy covers 60 ports across 24 provinces — meaning you can explore China during a long layover without a visa.
🗺️ Visa Status by Key Countries (2025)
Check yours›
| Country | Visa Required? | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain | ✓ Visa-Free | 15 days |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Visa Required | Per visa type |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | ✓ Visa-Free | 15 days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ✓ Visa-Free | 15 days |
| 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada | Visa Required | Per visa type |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | ✓ Visa-Free | 30 days |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇹🇭 Thailand | ✓ Visa-Free | 15–30 days |
| 🌍 Transit (any passport) | 240-hr Transit Free | 10 days |
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify with your country's embassy or the official China visa application website before travel. This table is a guide only.
✈️ The transit visa-free option, explained
For layovers›
If China isn't your final destination, the 240-hour (10-day) transit policy lets many travellers explore while passing through, without a visa. The essentials:
- 1You must be travelling onward to a third country/regionNot back to where you came from. Have proof of your onward ticket within the time limit.
- 2Enter through a participating portThe policy covers ports across many provinces. Tell the airline at check-in and the officer on arrival that you're using transit visa-free entry.
- 3Movement may be limited to the eligible regionRules vary by entry point. Confirm the current scope for your route before you fly.
Transit rules change and depend on your nationality and route. Always confirm the latest terms with your airline and the official China visa site before relying on them.