3 ways to enter

China visas

China transit visa

You may qualify for a 24-hour or 240-hour stop without a visa while travelling to a different country or region. The G visa is for transit when a visa is needed.

Ways to get a China transit visa

24-hour transit without a visa
Transit without a visa
Travellers of most nationalities arriving by air, cruise ship or train with confirmed onward travel to a different country or region within 24 hours.
Stay
Up to 24 hours. Ürümqi limits transit to two hours.
1. Check the transit rules for every airport or port on your route.
2. Carry a passport valid for at least three months and confirmed onward tickets.
3. Complete immigration and customs checks if required.
240-hour transit without a visa
Transit without a visa
Citizens of the 57 listed countries travelling through eligible ports to a different country or region. The United Kingdom entry applies to British citizens only.
Stay
Up to 240 hours, or 10 days. The clock normally starts at midnight after arrival, with exceptions at some ports.
Passports that qualify (57)
1. Arrange arrival and departure directly through eligible ports.
2. Carry your passport and proof of onward travel to a different country or region.
3. Obtain a temporary entry permit and follow its stay conditions.
G transit visa
Visa needed
People who intend to transit through mainland China.
1. Apply through a travel agency or the Chinese embassy, consulate or appointed visa application centre.
2. Complete the application form on a computer and sign it.
3. Submit your passport and supporting documents.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free transit or another entry exemption need a G transit visa.

Who doesn't

Most nationalities can use 24-hour visa-free transit, with port-specific exceptions. Citizens of 57 countries can use the 240-hour scheme through eligible ports.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?: Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport: You may need to pass immigration even when staying in the airport transit area. The 240-hour scheme allows entry and travel within approved areas. Eligible travellers receive a temporary entry permit stating their conditions of stay.
Longest transit: 240 hours
Transit without a visa: Transit without a visa requires onward travel to a country or region different from the departure point. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan count as separate destinations. Passport validity, confirmed onward travel, nationality and port rules apply.

How to apply

Check that your nationality, route and arrival and departure ports qualify.
Carry your passport and confirmed onward travel documents.
Follow border inspection procedures and obtain a temporary entry permit when required.

What to bring

Passport valid for at least three months after arrival, meeting any additional validity rules for the next destination.
Confirmed onward travel to a different country or region.
A visa for the next destination if required.

Good to know

Leave within the permitted transit period.
Stay within the areas allowed by your transit permission.
Register your accommodation if staying for more than 24 hours.
Do not work illegally or cancel your original onward ticket without justification.
A return route to the same country or region does not qualify without another qualifying stop.
Past immigration violations, visa refusal stamps or failure to register accommodation may make you ineligible.
Illegal work, overstaying or unjustified ticket cancellation can lead to a five-year ban from visa-free transit.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for China?

Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free transit or another entry exemption need a G transit visa. Most nationalities can use 24-hour visa-free transit, with port-specific exceptions. Citizens of 57 countries can use the 240-hour scheme through eligible ports.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for China?

There are 3 options: 24-hour transit without a visa (transit without a visa); 240-hour transit without a visa (transit without a visa); G transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a China transit visa?

Up to 24 hours under the general scheme, or 240 hours under the longer scheme.

What documents do I need for a China transit visa?

Passport valid for at least three months after arrival, meeting any additional validity rules for the next destination.; Confirmed onward travel to a different country or region.; A visa for the next destination if required..

How do I apply for a China transit visa?

1. 1. Check that your nationality, route and arrival and departure ports qualify. 2. 2. Carry your passport and confirmed onward travel documents. 3. 3. Follow border inspection procedures and obtain a temporary entry permit when required.

How long can I stay in transit in China?

Up to 240 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transit without a visa requires onward travel to a country or region different from the departure point. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan count as separate destinations. Passport validity, confirmed onward travel, nationality and port rules apply.

Can I stay inside the airport in China without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: You may need to pass immigration even when staying in the airport transit area. The 240-hour scheme allows entry and travel within approved areas. Eligible travellers receive a temporary entry permit stating their conditions of stay.

What rules do I have to follow on a China transit visa?

Leave within the permitted transit period. Stay within the areas allowed by your transit permission. Register your accommodation if staying for more than 24 hours. Do not work illegally or cancel your original onward ticket without justification.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for China?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the China visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for China be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Reviewed by @snuck