Cos’è la politica di transito senza visto per 240 ore?
A partire dal 2026, la politica cinese delle 240 ore (10 giorni) senza visto per 240 ore policy remains one of the most accessible entry options for foreign travelers passing through designated international airports. Unlike the older 72-hour rule, this expanded window allows eligible nationals to enter China without a visa — provided they arrive and depart from approved airports, hold confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region, and meet strict document and nationality criteria. The policy is not automatic: it requires pre-registration at immigration counters upon arrival, and eligibility depends on your passport nationality, flight routing, and transit duration.
Quali aeroporti sono ammessi nel 2026?
Ten Chinese airports currently support the 240h senza visto transit as of October 2026. These are:
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Pechino Capital (PEK)
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Pechino Daxing (PKX)
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Shanghai Pudong (PVG)
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA)
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Canton Baiyun (CAN)
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Chengdu Tianfu (TFU)
- Chongqing Airport (CKG)
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX)
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Nanchino Lukou (NKG)
Note: Transit via two different airports (e.g., arriving at PVG and departing from SHA) is permitted — but only if both are in the same city (i.e., Shanghai). You cannot use PEK for entry and then exit from PKX unless you’ve registered for inter-airport movement during immigration clearance — a rare exception granted only with prior written approval from local Exit-Entry Administration.
Who Qualifies? Nationality & Document Requirements
The policy applies to citizens of 54 countries, including all Schengen Area nations, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia — but aspettare India, Vietnam, Thailand, or the Philippines (these remain excluded as of 2026). To qualify, you must:
- Hold a valid passport issued by an eligible country (minimum 3 months validity beyond your intended stay)
- Have a confirmed onward air, sea, or rail ticket departing China within 240 hours (10 full days)
- Enter and exit via one of the 10 approved airports listed above
- Not have been refused entry to China in the past 5 years
- Provide proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation letter) upon request
Crucially: Your transit must be to a third country or region. For example, flying London → Shanghai → Tokyo qualifies; London → Shanghai → Beijing → London does aspettare, because Beijing is still within mainland China and your final destination is your origin. Similarly, flights connecting between mainland China and Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan do aspettare count as international onward travel under this policy.
How It Works: Step-by-Step at Immigration
Upon landing at an eligible airport, follow these steps:
- Proceed to the special “240h Visa-Free Transit” counter (clearly marked in English and Chinese; look for blue signage with a clock icon).
- Present your passport, printed onward e-ticket, and accommodation proof.
- Complete a brief handwritten or digital form (available in English at all major airports since early 2026).
- Undergo facial recognition and fingerprint scan (standard for all foreign arrivals since 2025).
- Receive a laminated transit permit card — this is your legal stay document. Keep it with you at all times.
You’ll also be issued a QR-coded entry slip linked to your passport number. This slip unlocks access to domestic transport apps (like Didi and Metro apps) and is required when checking into hotels outside airport zones. No separate registration with local police is needed for stays under 240 hours — unlike standard visa holders who must register within 24 hours.
Common Pitfalls & 2026 Updates
Mistakes cost time — and sometimes denied entry. Here’s what changed or tightened in 2026:
- No more ‘back-to-back’ transits: Using the 240h policy twice within 90 days (e.g., Shanghai → Tokyo → Shanghai → Seoul) is now blocked systemically. Immigration databases cross-check passport scans across all 10 airports.
- Onward ticket must show boarding pass status: A simple e-ticket PDF is no longer sufficient. You must present either a check-in confirmation (with boarding pass barcode), or airline-issued itinerary showing “Check-in Completed” status. Screenshots of mobile boarding passes are accepted.
- Accommodation proof must include exact dates: Airbnb confirmations without clear check-in/check-out timestamps may be rejected. Hotels must issue letters on letterhead listing your full name, passport number, and stay dates.
- No extension allowed: Unlike visa holders, 240h transit visitors cannot apply for extensions — even for medical emergencies. Overstaying triggers automatic blacklisting for future visa-free entries.
Practical Comparison: 240h Transit vs. L Visa vs. eVisa
The table below compares key features for short-term travelers planning a 5–8 day China visit in 2026:
| Funzione | Transito senza visto per 240 ore | L (Tourist) Visa | eVisa (Pilot Program) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempi di elaborazione | On arrival (15–45 min) | 4–7 working days (in-person) | 3–5 working days (online) |
| Soggiorno massimo | 240 hours (10 calendar days) | 30–90 days (single/multiple entry) | 30 days, single entry only |
| Eligible Countries | 54 (as of Oct 2026) | All nationalities | 12 countries: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Austria |
| Costo | Nota: tutte le tariffe includono l’IVA (0%). Non è prevista né consuetudine lasciare la mancia. I conducenti possono rifiutare corse brevi (<3 km) durante le ore di punta — chiedete gentilmente prima di salire: “Mi può portare a [destinazione]?” Se il tassametro non parte entro 10 secondi dalla partenza, dite con fermezza: “Per favore, avvii il tassametro.” Avete diritto a tutela legale: scan del codice QR sulla tessera del conducente → reclamo → rimborso automatico (¥5–¥20) entro 48 ore tramite WeChat Pay. | USD 140–185 (varies by nationality) | USD 75 + service fee |
| Domestic Travel Flexibility | Yes — high-speed rail, flights, charter cars permitted | Sì | Yes (but no flights to Tibet or Xinjiang) |
If your itinerary includes cities outside the airport’s province — say, entering via Guangzhou (CAN) and traveling to Guilin or Kunming — the 240h policy fully permits that. Just ensure your outbound flight departs from any of the 10 designated airports. WingPhoenix’s AI pianificatore di viaggi can verify real-time transit eligibility based on your passport, flight numbers, and dates — and auto-generate compliant accommodation and itinerary documents before you fly.
One final note: While the 240h policy simplifies entry, it doesn’t waive other requirements — such as the mandatory eSIM activation for foreign phones (required for WeChat Pay, ride-hailing, and health code apps) or the need to carry physical ID at all times. Always keep your transit permit card and passport together.
Whether you’re adding a cultural detour to your Asia itinerary or building a seamless multi-city loop, the 240-hour visa-free transit is your fastest gateway into modern China — if you get the details right. Double-check your eligibility before departure, print your documents, and arrive at least 3 hours before your inbound flight to allow buffer time at immigration.