240시간 비자 면제 환승 정책이란?
2019년 도입 후 2025–2026년에 대폭 확대된 중국의 240시간(10일) 비자 면제 통행 policy allows citizens of 54 countries—including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and all Schengen Area nations—to enter designated Chinese cities without applying for a visa, provided they meet strict eligibility criteria. As of October 2026, the program covers 23 airports and 3 seaports across 19 provinces and municipalities—up from just 7 cities in 2021. Crucially, this is *not* a tourist visa exemption: it’s strictly for travelers transiting *between two international flights or cruises*, with confirmed onward tickets departing China within 240 hours (exactly 10 days) of entry.
Who Qualifies — and Who Doesn’t?
자격 여부는 다음 세 가지 필수 조건에 전적으로 달려 있습니다:
- You hold a valid passport from one of the 54 approved countries (check the official National Immigration Administration list — updated quarterly in 2026).
- You arrive at and depart from one of the 26 designated entry/exit points (23 airports + 3 seaports — see table below).
- You possess a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (e.g., flying LAX → PEK → SGN; or MEL → SHA → HKG). Transit between mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan does 미포함 count as international travel under this rule.
Note: You Kunming에서 광저우로 비행할 수 없습니다 use this policy if your itinerary includes only China and one other destination (e.g., CDU → CTU → CDU), even with a layover. Dual-entry within the same 240-hour window is also prohibited. And while many assume US passport holders are covered, remember: the policy requires you to be traveling to/from a third country—not just entering China before returning home.
Where Can You Enter — and What Cities Can You Visit?
The 240h policy unlocks access to 19 major destinations—including tier-1 hubs and emerging cultural centers. Once cleared at immigration, you may travel freely within the administrative boundaries of the province or municipality where you entered. For example:
- 입국 방법: 상하이 푸둥(PVG) → explore Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing (all within Jiangsu/Zhejiang/Shanghai ‘Greater Bay’ zone, permitted since March 2026).
- 입국 방법: 청두 티엔푸(TFU) → visit Chengdu, Leshan (home of the Giant Buddha), and Dujiangyan (with prior online registration via the Sichuan Entry Portal, mandatory since July 2026).
- 입국 방법: 광저우 바이윈(CAN) → roam Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Foshan (within Guangdong Province only).
However, crossing provincial lines without prior approval remains restricted. Entering at Xi’an Xianyang (XIY) grants access only to Shaanxi Province—not neighboring Gansu or Henan. Always verify regional scope before booking intercity transport.
How to Apply — and What to Bring at Immigration
온라인 신청서도 사전 신청은. Eligible travelers complete the process on arrival — but preparation is critical. At immigration, present:
- Your valid passport (minimum 3 months’ validity beyond departure date);
- A printed or digital copy of your confirmed onward international flight/cruise ticket (must show departure within 240 hours and be to a third country/region);
- 작성 완료된 Entry/Exit Card (now fully digitized via the NIA Travel App, available on iOS/Android — download before arrival);
- Proof of accommodation for your entire stay (hotel reservation or host letter, though enforcement varies by port);
- Return/onward boarding pass (if already checked in).
Immigration officers may ask about your itinerary, funding, or purpose of visit. Be concise: “Transit to [Third Country], visiting [City] for culture and short sightseeing.” Avoid mentioning employment, study, or long-term stays. Processing time averages 20–45 minutes at peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 15:00–18:00 local time), so factor this into tight connections.
240h Entry Points & Regional Access (2026 Official List)
| 도시 | Airport/Port | IATA Code | Permitted Region | Key Update (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 베이징 | Capital International Airport | PEK | Beijing Municipality only | Expanded self-service kiosks; e-gate clearance for 32 nationalities since May 2026 |
| 상하이 | Pudong International Airport | PVG | Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai (‘Yangtze Delta Zone’) | Multi-province access activated Jan 2026; no additional registration required |
| 청두 | Tianfu International Airport | TFU | Sichuan Province only | Mandatory online registration via Sichuan Entry Portal for visits to Leshan/Dujiangyan (July 2026) |
| 광저우 | Baiyun International Airport | CAN | Guangdong Province only | Direct ferry transfers to Shenzhen Shekou Port now counted toward 240h clock |
| 샤먼 | Gaoqi International Airport | XMN | Fujian Province only | New eSIM activation desks inside immigration hall (Oct 2026) |
Smart Tips to Avoid Denial — and Maximize Your 10 Days
Despite high approval rates (~92% in Q3 2026 per NIA data), common pitfalls still cause rejections. Avoid these:
- Booking round-trip flights with same airline but no third country: Even if you fly LAX–PEK–LAX on separate tickets, it’s invalid — the outbound leg must go to another sovereign nation.
- Using Hong Kong as your ‘third country’: HK is a SAR of China — not internationally recognized as a separate jurisdiction for 240h purposes. Same applies to Macau and Taiwan.
- Arriving with an expired or soon-to-expire passport: Minimum 3-month validity is enforced strictly at PVG, PEK, and TFU.
- Assuming 免签 means ‘no documentation’: Carry printed proof — immigration officers in Chengdu and Xi’an routinely request hard copies.
프로 팁: WingPhoenix의 AI 여행 계획 도구 to auto-generate compliant 240h itineraries — it cross-checks your flight numbers, flags ineligible routes, and suggests optimal city sequences based on transit windows and regional access rules. Our system also integrates real-time NIA policy updates, so you’re never relying on outdated blog advice.
Finally, remember: This is 경유, not tourism. While you can absolutely visit the Forbidden City, West Lake, or Panda Base, you cannot enroll in language classes, volunteer, or accept paid work. Overstaying—even by one hour—triggers fines, detention, and future entry bans.
With careful planning, the 240h policy transforms China from a logistical hurdle into a highlight of your Asia journey — whether you’re adding a dumpling-fueled detour in Xi’an, a bamboo forest hike near Chengdu, or a 고속철도 hop from Shanghai to Hangzhou. Just keep your tickets, passport, and sense of timing in order.
Ready to build your compliant, stress-free 240h itinerary? Let WingPhoenix’s AI plan your China transit trip in under 90 seconds.