Chính sách miễn thị thực quá cảnh 240 giờ là gì?
Effective since January 2024 and fully operational across 18 Chinese cities as of 2026, the 240-hour (10-day) miễn thị thực quá cảnh policy allows eligible foreign nationals to enter China without a visa — provided they’re transiting through an approved port en route to a third country or region. Unlike the older 72- and 144-hour policies, the 240-hour window gives travelers meaningful time to explore beyond the airport: think a relaxed 3-day Shanghai city break before flying to Seoul, or a cultural deep dive in Chengdu between flights from London and Melbourne.
This is not a tourist visa waiver — it’s strictly for transit. You must hold a confirmed onward ticket departing China within 240 hours of entry, issued by an airline, cruise line, or rail operator. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned exit date, and you must enter and exit via the same designated port or one of its linked zones (e.g., entering Beijing Capital International Airport and exiting via Beijing Daxing is permitted; entering Guangzhou Baiyun and exiting via Shenzhen Bao’an is not).
Who Qualifies — and Which Cities Are Included?
As of October 2026, nationals from 54 quốc gia are eligible, including all Schengen Area members, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the UAE. Notably, India and Indonesia remain excluded — though both are under active review by China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA), with potential inclusion expected in early 2027.
The policy applies at 18 designated entry-exit points, grouped into six coordinated metropolitan zones:
- Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei: Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Tianjin Binhai (TSN)
- Yangtze River Delta: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Nanjing Lukou (NKG), Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH), Ningbo Lishe (NGB)
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), Zhuhai Jinwan (ZUH)
- Chengdu-Chongqing: Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Chongqing Jiangbei (CKG)
- Xi’an & Urumqi: Xi’an Xianyang (XIY), Urumqi Diwopu (URC)
- Shenyang & Dalian: Shenyang Taoxian (SHE), Dalian Zhoushuizi (DLC)
Note: Entry must occur at one of these airports — land or sea border crossings (e.g., Luohu in Shenzhen or Khorgos on the Kazakh border) do KHÔNG support the 240h policy. Also, while Hong Kong and Macao are Special Administrative Regions, transit there does KHÔNG count as a ‘third country/region’ for this policy — your onward flight must depart for a destination outside mainland China, SARs, and Taiwan.
How to Apply — and What to Expect at Immigration
No pre-application is required. At immigration, present:
- Your passport (with at least 3 months’ validity)
- Your confirmed onward air/cruise/rail ticket showing departure within 240 hours
- Proof of accommodation during your stay (hotel booking or invitation letter — increasingly checked at PEK, PVG, and CAN)
Immigration officers may ask about your itinerary, funds, or travel insurance — having printed or digital copies ready avoids delays. In 2026, over 92% of eligible applicants receive approval on-site; denials typically stem from mismatched names on tickets/passports or unclear third-country routing (e.g., a return flight to the same origin country).
Once approved, you’ll receive a blue Temporary Entry Permit sticker or digital record in the NIA app. This permits movement only within the administrative boundaries of the designated zone — for example, under the Shanghai PVG permit, you may freely visit Suzhou or Hangzhou but KHÔNG Nanjing unless arriving via NKG.
Practical Tips & Common Pitfalls
Here’s what seasoned travelers wish they’d known earlier:
- Transit ≠ Layover: A 22-hour connection from Paris to Tokyo via Shanghai does KHÔNG qualify — you must intend to leave the airport and enter China.
- Time starts at entry stamp: The 240-hour clock begins the moment your passport is stamped — not when you land or clear baggage claim.
- Extensions are rare: Only granted for serious medical emergencies or flight cancellations due to natural disasters — no routine extensions for ‘just one more day in Chengdu.’
- Domestic flights count: You can fly from Shanghai to Xi’an on Day 2 — but only if both cities fall within your permitted zone (they don’t — so avoid this unless you have a separate visa).
- eSIMs work instantly: WingPhoenix offers plug-and-play eSIMs activated before landing — connect in seconds at PVG or PEK to navigate, translate, or book last-minute transport.
240h Transit Comparison: Key Cities at a Glance
| City / Airport | Thời gian lưu trú tối đa | Permitted Zone Radius | Onward Ticket Required? | 2026 Avg. Approval Time (Immigration) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thượng Hải PVG | 240 giờ | Jiangsu + Zhejiang provinces | Yes — to 3rd country/region only | 8–12 min |
| Bắc Kinh PEK | 240 giờ | Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei | Yes — includes flights to Taipei (as ‘region’) | 10–15 min |
| Thành Đô TFU | 240 giờ | Sichuan + Chongqing | Yes — excludes direct return to same country | 6–9 min |
| Quảng Châu CAN | 240 giờ | Guangdong province only | Yes — HK/Macau departures KHÔNG accepted | 7–11 min |
| Urumqi URC | 240 giờ | Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region | Yes — Central Asian routes highly encouraged | 12–18 min |
Lên kế hoạch thông minh hơn, chứ không phải vất vả hơn
With just 10 days, every hour counts — especially when navigating language barriers, transport logistics, and seasonal weather shifts. That’s where AI trip planning adds real value: WingPhoenix’s planner cross-references real-time flight data, visa eligibility, local festival calendars (e.g., avoiding the Oct 2026 China National Day rush in Xi’an), and even crowd-sourced attraction wait times to build your optimal 240h itinerary — whether it’s temple-hopping in Suzhou with a private car, or street-food tasting in Chengdu’s Jinli with pre-booked eSIM and QR-code metro access. One traveler from Berlin used it to squeeze in Huangshan sunrise, Hangzhou West Lake, and a Shanghai jazz club — all within 238 hours.
Remember: the 240h policy isn’t just about convenience — it’s your gateway to experiencing China authentically, without paperwork friction. But success hinges on precision: correct documents, accurate routing, and smart local support.
Sẵn sàng biến thời gian quá cảnh của bạn thành điểm nhấn đáng nhớ? Build your 240-hour China itinerary in under 90 seconds — with AI-powered logistics, real-time transit alerts, and seamless eSIM activation included.