Practical guide
China 24-hour visa-free transit: keep your onward ticket and stay airside unless cleared
A short transit without a visa has a strict 24-hour limit and different rules if you need to leave the port area.
The National Immigration Administration says the 24-hour visa-free transit policy applies at all open exit-entry ports to travelers of all nationalities who hold valid travel documents and confirmed onward international flight, ship or train tickets to a third country or region. If you need to leave the port’s restricted area, obtain a temporary entry permit from the port immigration authority first.
A clear next step
- Confirm that your onward international flight, ship or train ticket has a confirmed seat and is to a third country or region.
- Keep your valid passport or travel document and onward-ticket details available for immigration inspection.
- If you need to leave the designated restricted area, ask the port immigration authority about a temporary entry permit before exiting.
Sources & verification
Last verified
- Visa-Free Transit Policies | National Immigration Administration the 24-hour policy applies at all open exit-entry ports for nationals of all countries · valid travel documents and confirmed onward international flight, ship or train tickets to a third country or region are required · the visa-free stay is no more than 24 hours when remaining in the restricted port area · leaving the designated restricted area requires a temporary entry permit from the port immigration authority