Plan a China Trip with a 10-Day (240-Hour) Visa-Free Transit Policy

 

China is making it easier than ever for international visitors to explore its vast and captivating landscapes. With new visa-free policies and expanded transit options, a trip to China is more accessible than ever before. Even if you're not from one of the countries with a longer visa-free stay, you can still take advantage of the generous 10-day (240-hour) visa-free transit policy. This guide will walk you through how to use this policy to plan an unforgettable journey.

What is China's 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy?

 

The 10-day (240-hour) visa-free transit policy is designed to make short, layover-style trips to China easier for international travelers. It allows citizens from 55 eligible countries to enter China without a visa for up to 10 days, provided they meet specific conditions. This policy is a game-changer for anyone looking to add a unique stop to their international travels.

Who is Eligible?

 

The policy is available to citizens of 55 countries across the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

The Key Conditions You Must Meet

 

To qualify for the 10-day visa-free transit policy, you must satisfy three essential requirements:

Nationality: You must be from one of the 55 eligible countries listed above.

Transit: Your travel must be a genuine transit to a third country or region. This means your itinerary must follow a route like: Country A -> China -> Country B.

Visa-Free Zone: Your stay in China must be within the designated visa-free areas. Most of China's major and popular tourist regions, including Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Chengdu, are covered. However, some regions like Xinjiang, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia are not.

How to Plan Your 10-Day Visa-Free China Itinerary

 

With 10 days at your disposal, you can create an incredible itinerary that balances city exploration with cultural immersion. Remember, the 10-day period is calculated from 00:00 on the day after you arrive, giving you a full 11 days including your arrival day.

 

Popular Itinerary Ideas

 

Here are some suggested itineraries that maximize your time and showcase China's highlights:

8-Day City Highlights: A fast-paced yet fulfilling itinerary for those who want to see the best in a short time.

Beijing (3 days): The essentials: Great Wall, Forbidden City.

Xi'an (3 days): The Terracotta Army.

Shanghai (2 days): The Bund and city exploration.

 

"China+" Itineraries: Combining China with Another Country

 

Since the visa-free policy requires you to transit to a third country, why not plan a multi-country adventure? This is a great way to maximize your travel experience.

Valid Transit Examples:

USA -> Beijing -> Xi'an -> Shanghai -> Hong Kong -> USA

Thailand -> Beijing -> Chengdu -> Shanghai -> Japan

UK -> Hong Kong -> Beijing -> Shanghai -> Japan

 

Your 5-Step Guide to a Visa-Free Visit

The process for entering China under this policy is straightforward. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:

Step 1: Arrive at an Approved Port Make sure your inbound flight lands at one of the dozens of approved airports or seaports across China. Major ports include Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), and Xi'an Xianyang (XIY).

Step 2: Head to the Transit Counter Upon arrival, follow the signs for the 240-hour visa-free entry counter. Do not proceed to the regular immigration lines.

Step 3: Present Your Documents Have all your required documents ready for the immigration officer. This includes:

Your passport (valid for at least three months).

A completed Arrival/Departure Card.

A confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country or region.

Your hotel booking confirmation.

A valid visa for the third country, if required.

Step 4: Pass Through Customs Once your documents are verified, your passport will be stamped, and you can collect your luggage and pass through customs.

Step 5: Begin Your Journey Exit the airport and start exploring! If you have a tour booked with China Highlights, your friendly guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, ready to assist you.

 

Approved Ports for 10-Day Visa-Free Transit

 

You can enter and exit through any of the following ports. Note that the visa-free stay is limited to a specific province or region, so you cannot travel to an unlisted province (e.g., Tibet or Xinjiang).

Q: Can I travel across provinces with this policy? A: Yes, you can travel freely within the designated 24 provinces. For example, you can fly from Beijing to Xi'an or take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Chengdu. However, travel to Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Jilin is not permitted under this policy.

Q: Can I enter China by train from Hong Kong under this policy? A: No, this policy generally applies to air and sea transit. However, you can take a high-speed train to Hong Kong from mainland China to fulfill the "transit to a third region" requirement.

Q: Can I travel from the UK to Hong Kong, then to Beijing, then to Shanghai, and finally back to Hong Kong and the UK? A: No. Hong Kong is considered part of China for the purposes of this policy. Therefore, the itinerary UK -> Hong Kong -> Beijing -> Shanghai -> Hong Kong -> UK is not a valid transit route. A valid route would be UK -> Hong Kong -> Beijing -> Shanghai -> Japan -> UK, as Japan is a third country.

Q: What if I want to visit regions not covered by the visa-free policy, like Tibet? A: If you wish to visit a non-covered region, we can assist you in applying for a port visa. This process is much simpler and more cost-effective than applying for a traditional visa in your home country, and it does not require an in-person interview.

For any questions about designing your visa-free itinerary or applying for a port visa, feel free to contact us. We are here to help make your China travel dreams a reality.