Roberta Aguirre
China has a 24-hour visa-free transit policy, known as TWOV, that allows travellers to enter the country for a day without a visa. This rule applies to most ports of entry, and eligible travellers can enter through 60 different entry points across 24 provinces. Travellers can enter China from another country and then fly out to a third country within 24 hours without needing a visa. However, it is important to note that the 24 hours are calculated from the scheduled arrival to the scheduled departure time, and travellers must depart China within this time frame.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement | No visa is required for transiting visitors for up to 24 hours. |
| Eligibility | Nationals from 55 countries are eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit. |
| Entry/exit ports | Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and some other 144h entry/exit ports. |
| Permitted areas | 24 provinces across China, including Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, and Guizhou. |
| Application process | Complete an "Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners" and pass through customs inspection. |
| Travel time | Allow 1-2 hours to reach the city center from the airport. |
| Recommended layover duration | A minimum of 6 hours is recommended to explore the city. |
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What You'll Learn
- Citizens of certain countries are exempt from needing a transit visa for a 24-hour layover in China
- Travellers from countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a 72 or 144-hour transit visa
- A temporary stay permit is required to leave the airport during a layover
- The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is available in certain regions of China, such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang
- To be eligible for visa-free transit, you must be travelling on to a third country after leaving China
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from needing a transit visa for a 24-hour layover in China
China has a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from all countries at all its accessible exit-entry ports. This means that citizens of any country can transit through China without a visa, as long as they do not leave the corresponding port and their stay does not exceed 24 hours.
However, citizens of certain countries are eligible for China's 144-hour or 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows them to leave the airport and enter China for a short period of time without a visa. As of June 12, 2025, the list of eligible countries includes 55 nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many countries in Europe. Nationals of Indonesia were added to the list on this date, and previously, on November 17, 2023, Norway was added, bringing the total number to 54.
It is important to note that, in order to be eligible for visa-free transit, travellers must be going on to a third country after leaving China. Entering China under the visa-free transit policy when not continuing travel to another country will be considered illegal entry. Additionally, foreign travellers must comply with Chinese laws and regulations, not exceed the permitted stay area or duration, and may need to register with the local police station or a foreigner service station within 24 hours of arrival.
To exit the airport during a layover in China, travellers may need to submit an application to the immigration inspection authority and pass through customs. This process can take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on citizenship and the destination travelled from. Travellers should also be aware that travelling to and from the city centre can take about 2-3 hours, leaving only 1-2 hours of free time. Therefore, it may be more convenient to remain in the airport during a short layover.
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Travellers from countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a 72 or 144-hour transit visa
China has implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from all countries at all its accessible exit-entry ports. This means that travellers with valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed seats can transit through China without a visa, as long as their stay does not exceed 24 hours and they remain within the corresponding ports.
However, for travellers from countries not on the visa-free list, a 72 or 144-hour transit visa is required to leave the airport and enter China. This visa allows foreign passengers to enter and exit China through eligible ports and stay within specified cities and regions for up to 6 days without a visa. It is important to note that this visa is not applicable for those staying in China for longer periods or those who are not continuing travel to a third country, as this would be considered illegal entry.
To obtain the 72 or 144-hour transit visa, travellers must apply at the 24/144-hour waiting area in arrivals border inspection by providing the necessary documentation. This includes a completed Temporary Immigration Card for Foreigners, valid international travel documents, third-country visas or confirmation of onward travel, and pre-printed hotel vouchers. It is also recommended to have printed flight tickets with seat numbers.
The eligibility requirements for the 72 or 144-hour transit visa vary depending on the traveller's country of origin. Nationals from specific countries in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East are eligible for this visa. It is important to check the eligibility requirements before applying for the transit visa.
Travellers should also be aware of the time required to pass through immigration and customs, which can range from 1.5 to 2 hours or longer, depending on citizenship and destination. Therefore, when planning a short layover in China, it is recommended to check with the airline or airport to confirm the allowable time for leaving the airport.
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A temporary stay permit is required to leave the airport during a layover
If you are a foreign national transiting through China, you can leave the airport during a layover without a visa as long as you have a valid passport, a confirmed ticket for your connecting flight, and a completed arrival/departure card. This is known as the TWOV (Transit Without Visa) program, which allows for visa-free access for 24 hours. However, it is important to note that this policy only applies to specific airports and you must depart China within 24 hours.
The TWOV program is available to eligible foreign travellers from 55 countries, and the list of eligible ports has expanded to 60 across 24 provinces. It is crucial to check that your arrival and departure airports are among these to avoid any issues. Additionally, under this program, travellers can cross provincial boundaries within the eligible regions, providing greater flexibility for regional travel.
To leave the airport during your layover, you must submit an application to the immigration inspection authority to exit the restricted area. This is done by filling out the "Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners," a small white and blue form. After passing through customs and declaring your goods, you will be able to exit the airport. The time taken for this process can vary from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your citizenship and the destinations you are travelling to and from.
It is important to note that some travellers have reported being denied exit from the airport for layovers shorter than 8 hours due to concerns about insufficient transit time. Therefore, if your layover is 8 hours or less, it is recommended to check with your airline or the airport before making any plans to leave the airport. Additionally, if you plan to stay for more than 24 hours, you may need to apply for a 72 or 144-hour transit visa, depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay.
In conclusion, while it is possible to leave the airport during a layover in China without a visa through the TWOV program, there are specific requirements and procedures that must be followed. These include checking eligibility, submitting the necessary documentation, and allowing adequate time for immigration and customs procedures.
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The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is available in certain regions of China, such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang
China has a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which previously allowed eligible travelers from 55 countries to stay for up to 144 hours (10 days) without a visa. This policy is available in select areas of China, including Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
The 144-hour visa-free transit policy was introduced to facilitate international travelers wishing to visit China for tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or business. It allows travelers to cross provincial boundaries within all the allowed areas and provides greater convenience for international transit and flexibility for short-term travel.
To be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, travelers must be from one of the specified countries and have valid travel documents, including a passport, confirmed interline ticket (connecting ticket), and a completed arrival/departure card. It is important to note that travelers must be continuing on to a third country or region after leaving China and cannot stay in China for longer than 144 hours.
The 144-hour visa-free transit policy in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provides travelers with the opportunity to explore these regions without the need for a visa. Jiangsu offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions, including the ancient city of Suzhou, the picturesque Nanjing Confucian Temple area, and the scenic beauty of Yangtze River. Zhejiang is known for its historic water towns, such as Wuzhen and Nanxun, the picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou, and the vibrant city of Ningbo, offering a blend of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage.
While the 144-hour visa-free transit policy offers convenience and flexibility, travelers should be aware of any specific requirements or restrictions that may apply. It is always recommended to check the latest information and guidelines provided by official sources before planning a trip to China to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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To be eligible for visa-free transit, you must be travelling on to a third country after leaving China
China has a 24-hour visa-free transit policy, also known as TWOV, which allows travellers to enter China without a visa for 24 hours. This policy applies to most ports of entry, including Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing Daxing Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, and several others. To be eligible for this visa-free transit, you must be travelling onwards to a third country after leaving China. This is a key requirement, as entering China under the visa-free transit policy without continuing to another country is considered illegal entry.
The 24-hour period starts from the scheduled arrival time to the end of the scheduled departure time. Travellers can enter China from another country, spend up to 24 hours in the country, and then depart to a different country, all without requiring a visa. For example, a traveller from the USA can visit Beijing and then fly to Hong Kong without needing a visa for China. This policy allows for multiple stops within China, as long as the traveller departs within 24 hours.
It is important to note that this policy only applies to eligible countries. Travellers from certain countries, such as Algeria and India, are not eligible for visa-free access and will need to obtain a visa if they wish to leave the airport during their layover. Eligible countries include 24 countries in the European Schengen area, such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as 15 other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, and Ireland.
In addition to the 24-hour visa-free transit policy, China also offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for certain eligible cities and regions. This policy allows travellers from 55 countries to stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa. This policy covers major international airports in regions such as Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Fujian, and eligible cities include Taiyuan, Datong, Nanchang, and Guilin.
To take advantage of the 24-hour visa-free transit policy, travellers should ensure they have a valid passport, a confirmed airplane ticket for their connecting flight, and a completed arrival/departure card. It is recommended to check with the airline or airport if your layover is 8 hours or less to confirm whether you are able to leave the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Citizens of most countries are eligible for a 24-hour visa-free transit. However, citizens of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Yemen, Oman, Iran, Iraq and Sri Lanka are not eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit. If you are not eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit, you will need to apply for a 72-hour or 144-hour Transit visa.
You must apply for the Transit visa in your home country or host country before boarding your flight. You cannot apply for this visa on Chinese soil.
Yes, you can leave the airport during your 24-hour layover in China. However, you will need to apply for a temporary Stay Permit.
