China expands visa-free entry: where to go and how to plan

China expands visa-free entry in 2024, 2025, introducing major changes that make short visits easier for many nationalities. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on 17 December 2024 that visa‑free transit rules were “fully relaxed and optimized,” extending stays from previous 72/144‑hour windows to a uniform 240‑hour (10‑day) transit period and expanding designated ports and regions.

These changes, plus separate visa‑free measures such as Hainan’s 30‑day policy and one‑year trial entries for several Latin American and Gulf countries in 2025, create new options for itinerary planning. This guide explains who qualifies, where to go, how to use the 240‑hour transit, and the practical steps travelers should take before and after arrival.

What changed: the 240‑hour transit rule

The line change is the NIA’s move to a 240‑hour visa‑free transit window effective 17 December 2024. The policy replaces the older 72/144‑hour schemes with a single 10‑day transit allowance and expands the list of designated entry ports and regions to more than 60 ports across 24 provincial‑level areas.

The NIA described the reform as “fully relaxed and optimized” to boost openness and international exchanges. For practical purposes that means more flexibility for multi‑city loops and easier short stays for eligible nationalities, with cross‑regional travel allowed within the designated areas.

Travelers should note the 240‑hour clock is counted from 00:00 on the day after arrival, effectively giving those who land late on day one nearly 11 calendar days in some cases. Always double‑check entry time calculations to avoid unintentional overstays.

Who is eligible and recent expansions

The 240‑hour transit is available to citizens of 55 eligible countries as of mid‑2025; Indonesia was added on 12 June 2025 to bring the total to 55. The NIA publishes and updates the list of eligible nationalities and ports on its website, so verifying current status before travel is essential.

In addition to the 240‑hour scheme, Hainan offers ordinary passport holders from 59 countries a 30‑day visa‑free entry for a range of purposes (tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions and sports) since 9 February 2024. One‑year trial visa‑free entries were announced for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay (1 June 2025, 31 May 2026) and for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain (9 June 2025, 8 June 2026).

Because many measures are trial or temporary, check the NIA and your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate for the latest lists and exact start/end dates before you book.

Where to go: destinations unlocked by the changes

The expanded port list adds direct entry options at airports and sea ports that are already gateways to famous attractions. Newly named 240‑hour ports include Chengdu Tianfu, Zhangjiajie Hehua, Haikou Meilan, Sanya Phoenix, Guiyang Longdongbao and Taiyuan Wusu, among many regional airports and ports.

Use Chengdu Tianfu to access Sichuan’s panda centers and nearby Jiuzhaigou‑style scenery, or land at Zhangjiajie Hehua to explore the Wulingyuan and its glass bridges. Hainan’s Haikou and Sanya are perfect for single‑province beach stays and resort travel, while Guiyang and Taiyuan provide regional gateways to karst scenery and inland cultural sites.

Other visa‑free options, like 13 coastal cruise‑port cities that permit group cruise exemptions, also make short coastal or multi‑port itineraries attractive. Match the port to your target attractions and confirm the port is on the current eligible‑ports list before finalizing plans.

Sample itineraries that maximize visa‑free options

240‑hour transit makes multi‑city loops feasible without applying for a full visa. Example loops include Beijing → Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors) → Shanghai; or Chengdu → Zhangjiajie → Guilin, exiting via Hong Kong or another eligible port within the 240‑hour window.

Hainan’s 30‑day visa‑free stay is ideal for relaxed island itineraries: Sanya beaches, Haikou cultural sites, and nearby Boao conference/exhibition venues can fill a 1‑ to 3‑week itinerary focused on leisure, medical visits, or business. The policy allows varied purposes beyond pure tourism, which is helpful for mixed‑purpose travel.

Cruise passengers can use group‑cruise visa exemptions to visit multiple coastal cities under 15‑day group rules, another way to see China’s coastal highlights without individual visas. Always verify which provinces and areas are permitted under each scheme before booking detailed plans.

How to use the 240‑hour transit: step checklist

At check‑in and arrival you must satisfy immigration: confirm your nationality is on the eligible list, carry a valid passport (generally with at least three months’ validity), and present a confirmed onward ticket with a seat to a third country/region dated within 240 hours.

Tell the airline you plan to use the visa‑free transit, the carrier will usually notify immigration at check‑in. On arrival use the dedicated 240‑hour/visa‑free channel, present your passport, onward ticket, and any printed confirmations. Keep originals and printouts; some airlines may refuse boarding without them.

Remember the 240‑hour count starts at 00:00 the day after arrival. If unexpected events occur (flight cancellation, illness), contact the local Public Security Bureau or apply for a visa/extension locally; the port hotline 12367 (China Immigration Service) and your embassy/consulate are key contacts in emergencies.

Practical after‑arrival rules: registration, health and insurance

All foreigners must register their accommodation with local public security. Hotels normally register guests automatically; if you stay with private hosts you or your host must register with the police within 24 hours (72 hours in some rural areas). Keep the temporary residence registration record as proof.

China removed large‑scale quarantine/testing measures in 2023 and now mainly uses health declarations and routine customs health checks. Complete any required online or arrival health declaration and follow on‑site instructions; health policies can change, so confirm requirements before departure.

Buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation, and carry scanned copies of your passport and emergency contact details for your embassy. Hotels, carriers, and immigration may request documentation at any point, so having backups is practical and reduces risk.

Airlines, practical cautions and legal reminders

Airlines commonly check visa‑free eligibility at departure and can deny boarding if your documentation is incomplete, bring printed onward tickets with seat assignments and booking references. Confirm your carrier’s boarding policy for visa‑free transit before you leave home.

Many of the new measures are temporary or trial programs; lists of eligible countries and ports have changed several times in 2024, 2025. Before booking, verify four anchors: your nationality is on the current list, your entry/exit ports are eligible, your onward ticket is to a third country with a confirmed seat, and any trial agreements are still valid.

If you encounter a denial, illness, or documentation issue on arrival, contact the immigration/port hotline 12367 and your embassy or consulate in China. Keep airline contacts and proof of onward travel handy to help resolve problems quickly.

Pre‑travel checklist and resources to bookmark

Recommended pre‑travel steps: check the NIA and your local Chinese embassy pages for up‑to‑date lists; confirm your airline’s boarding rules; print onward tickets and booking confirmations; buy travel insurance; and book hotels that will register you with local police.

Bookmark the National Immigration Administration site (en.nia.gov.cn) for the definitive 240‑hour and regional visa‑free lists, and subscribe to your nearest embassy/consulate consular notices for implementation Q&As and practical tips. These are the primary authoritative sources to re‑check before travel.

Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport and the contact details of the nearest embassy. With the right preparation you can confidently use China’s expanded visa‑free options for short multi‑city trips, focused island stays, or cruise visits.

China expands visa‑free entry options significantly in late 2024 and 2025, offering travelers more ways to visit without a traditional visa. Use the NIA, embassy guidance, and the planning tips above to build an itinerary that matches the rules for your nationality and ports of entry.

Whether you aim for a 240‑hour multi‑city loop, a 30‑day Hainan escape, or a cruise visiting several coastal cities, careful verification of eligibility and thorough pre‑travel preparation will help ensure a smooth trip. Check official sources shortly before departure and enjoy the renewed convenience of traveling to China.