Before you travel
China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare questions for your airline and the National Immigration Administration before booking a transit visit.
- This page does not give an eligibility result. Your documents, full route and individual circumstances need to be checked.
- Official policy reference: NIA notice dated 20 August 2026, consulted 3 October 2026.
Before you book
- Passport and nationality. Check that your nationality is on the current official list and that your passport type, validity and other documents meet the requirements.
- Complete flight or onward route. Confirm travel onward to a third country or region, with a ticket showing confirmed seats and departure dates. Give the airline your complete route, including connections.
- Entry, exit and places you will visit. Check your exact ports and every stop against the official permitted areas. Do not assume that permission covers an entire province or any domestic connection.
- Dates and permitted stay. Ask how your allowed period is calculated for your arrival and departure. Use the stay period granted by the authorities and allow time for disruption.
- Purpose and individual circumstances. Check that your planned activities are covered. Work, study and reporting require separate permissions. Raise any previous immigration issues directly with the authorities.
Keep the official notice and your travel documents available. For the planning context, read our Chongqing transit guide.
How this tool works
Frequently asked
Does completing this checklist guarantee entry?
No. Confirm boarding requirements with your airline and entry requirements with the relevant authorities. Border authorities decide admission.