China transit without visa for US citizens
US citizens can transit China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days). You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. This is separate from standard entry — US citizens require an L visa for standard visits to China.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum transit time | 240 hours (10 days) |
| Policy type | Transit Without Visa |
| Eligible ports | 60+ across 24 provinces |
| Onward ticket | Required to a third country |
| Separate from 30-day visa-free | Yes |
Note: Upgraded from 144 hours to 240 hours in December 2024. Always verify your specific port's eligibility at nia.gov.cn before travel.
Eligible cities and ports
As of 2026, 60+ ports across 24 provinces are eligible. Major cities include:
Some ports also allow entry by sea or rail. Check the full official list at the China National Immigration Administration: nia.gov.cn
Key rules for US citizens
Onward ticket to a third country
Your itinerary must show departure from China to a country different from where you boarded. You cannot fly US → China → US. The onward destination must be a different country or region.
Stay within the permitted area
You may travel freely within the provinces and regions designated for your port of entry. You cannot travel between different transit regions on the same permit — for example, someone entering Shanghai cannot visit Beijing on the same transit.
Tell your airline at check-in
Notify your carrier when checking in that you are using the 240-hour transit without visa policy. Airlines are required to verify eligibility before boarding.
Overstaying
Overstaying your 240-hour permit is treated as illegal entry. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, and potential future entry bans. Your permit will show the exact expiry time — set an alarm.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Book a flight itinerary with a layover at an eligible Chinese city and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 240 hours.
- 2
At check-in, tell your airline you are using the 240-hour transit without visa policy. They will note this before boarding.
- 3
On arrival in China, follow signs to the Transit Without Visa counter (separate from regular immigration). Present your passport and onward ticket.
- 4
Immigration will issue a temporary stay permit stamped in your passport showing your exact permitted departure deadline.
- 5
You may exit the airport and explore the permitted city area freely within the designated provinces.
- 6
Return to the airport before your 240-hour permit expires and board your onward flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Information compiled from official government sources and verified data: