30-Day Visa-Free vs. 240-Hour Transit: Complete Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of China's 30-day visa-free entry and 240-hour transit policies. Find out which one's right for your trip.
Two Visa-Free Policies for Visiting China
Traveling to China? You can choose between two visa-free options:
- 30-Day Unilateral Visa Exemption - Available to select countries
- 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit - Available to 55 countries
For most travelers, the 30-day option is the better choice. Here’s why—and how to decide.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | 30-Day Visa-Free | 240-Hour Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 30 days | Up to 10 days (240 hours) |
| Third-Country Ticket | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
| Where You Can Go | 🌏 Anywhere in China | 📍 24 provinces only |
| Entry Ports | All international ports | 65 designated ports |
| Round-Trip OK? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Valid Until | Dec 31, 2026 | Permanent |
30-Day Unilateral Visa Exemption
Overview
This policy is available to citizens of select countries and has been extended through December 31, 2026.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Unilateral Visa Exemption (单方面免签政策) |
| Eligibility | Citizens of participating countries |
| Max Stay | 30 days |
| Coverage | All of China |
| Allowed Activities | Tourism, business, family visits, transit |
Who Should Use This?
- Visiting Shanghai only
- Planning Shanghai + other cities
- Have a round-trip ticket (Home → Shanghai → Home)
- Staying longer than 10 days
- Want maximum flexibility
Required Documents
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Passport | ✅ Yes | Valid for duration of stay |
| Arrival Card | ✅ Yes | Online or at airport |
| Hotel Booking | Recommended | May be asked at immigration |
| Return Ticket | Recommended | Not mandatory, but helpful |
⚠️ Note: Emergency/temporary passports typically don’t qualify. Check your country’s specific eligibility.
How Your Stay is Calculated
The 30 days count from your entry date.
Examples:
- Enter January 1 → Stay until January 30 (midnight)
- Enter January 15 → Stay until February 13 (midnight)
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Overview
A transit policy for travelers genuinely passing through China to a third country. Available to citizens of 55 countries.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Official Name | 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (240小时过境免签) |
| Eligibility | 55 countries |
| Max Stay | 240 hours (10 days) |
| Coverage | 24 designated provinces |
| Key Requirement | Confirmed third-country ticket |
Who Should Use This?
- Actually transiting through China to another country
- Example: New York → Shanghai → Tokyo
- Example: London → Beijing → Bangkok
- Short layover of a few days
The Third-Country Ticket Rule
You must have a confirmed ticket to a country different from where you came from.
Works ✅:
- LA → Shanghai → Tokyo (third country: Japan)
- Sydney → Beijing → Singapore (third country: Singapore)
- London → Guangzhou → Bangkok (third country: Thailand)
Doesn’t work ❌:
- Seoul → Shanghai → Seoul (same country)
- New York → Shanghai, no onward flight (no connection)
⚠️ Serious warning: If you enter on 240-hour transit and don’t leave for a third country, you’ll be treated as an illegal entry.
Which Should You Choose?
Pick 30-Day Visa-Free If:
- China is your final destination
- You have a round-trip ticket (Home → China → Home)
- You’re staying more than 10 days
- No third-country ticket
- Planning to visit areas outside the 24 provinces (Tibet, Xinjiang, etc.)
Pick 240-Hour Transit If:
- You’re genuinely transiting to another country
- Short stay under 10 days
- You already have a confirmed third-country ticket
- You want to save your 30-day entries for future trips
Entry Process Comparison
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
- Arrive → Head to foreigner immigration
- Submit → Passport + arrival card
- Interview → Trip purpose, accommodation
- Stamp → 30-day stay permit
- Collect bags → Clear customs
240-Hour Transit Entry
- Arrive → Go to Joint Inspection counter
- Submit → Passport + arrival card + third-country ticket
- Interview → Trip purpose, transit itinerary
- Stamp → 240-hour stay permit
- Collect bags → Clear customs
Online Arrival Card
Since November 20, 2025, China uses an online arrival card system.
Submit Online (Recommended)
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| NIA Website | s.nia.gov.cn (English available) |
| 12367 App | iOS/Android |
| WeChat Mini Program | Search “入境卡填报” or “移民局12367” |
| Alipay Mini Program | Search “入境卡填报” or “移民局12367” |
At the Airport
- Scan QR code and fill on your phone
- Use a kiosk
- Paper form (backup option)
💡 Pro tip: Fill it out before you fly—immigration goes way faster!
Accommodation Registration
Both policies require accommodation registration within 24 hours.
Staying at a Hotel
Hotels automatically register you at check-in. Done!
💡 Note: Not all hotels accept foreigners. International chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG) are your safest bet.
Staying at an Airbnb or Friend’s Place
Register at the nearest police station (派出所) within 24 hours.
Bring:
- Your passport
- Host’s ID
- Proof of accommodation (lease, property certificate, etc.)
Overstay Penalties
| Duration | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Per day | ¥500 (~$70) fine |
| Maximum fine | ¥10,000 (~$1,400) |
| Over 30 days | 5-15 days detention + deportation |
| Serious violation | 5-10 year entry ban |
⚠️ Important: Even 1-2 days over? Report to the PSB immediately—penalties may be reduced if you self-report!
Extending Your Stay
In general, you can’t extend visa-free stays.
For emergencies (illness, flight cancellation, etc.):
- Apply at least 7 days before expiration
- Visit the PSB Entry-Exit Administration
- Bring: Passport, photo, proof of emergency
- Processing: ~7 business days
- Fee:
¥160 ($22)
FAQs
Q: Can I enter multiple times on 30-day visa-free?
Yes—no limit on entries. Just can’t stay more than 30 consecutive days. After exiting, a new 30-day period starts on re-entry.
Q: Can I switch between the two policies?
Yes. Use whichever fits your situation. Just make sure you meet all requirements.
Q: What happens when the 30-day policy expires in December 2026?
TBD. China will announce whether it’s extended. Check official sources before booking.
Q: Can I work in China on visa-free entry?
No. Visa-free is for tourism, business visits, and family visits only. Working requires a Z visa.
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| China Immigration Hotline | 12367 (24/7) |
| Check your country’s consulate in Shanghai for local emergency numbers |
Useful Links
Other Guides
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: The Complete Guide (2026 Update)
Everything you need to know about China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Compare with 30-day visa-free entry, check eligibility, and plan your Shanghai trip.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai: Seasonal Guide (2026)
When to visit Shanghai? Spring and autumn offer ideal weather. Complete guide to seasons, weather, events, and tips for planning your trip.
China Accommodation Registration & Stay Regulations: Complete Guide
Essential info for foreigners: 24-hour registration requirement, hotel vs. Airbnb procedures, overstay penalties, and how to handle emergencies.