Starting May 13, 2025, China has introduced a new 24-hour visa-free transit policy that allows travelers from any country to pass through and stay briefly in China without needing a visa. This update applies to all international entry and exit ports and is designed to make transit smoother and more accessible for global travelers.
Under this policy, foreign nationals can remain in China for up to 24 hours during a layover, as long as they are continuing their journey to a third country or region. The transit can be made by air, sea, or international train.
There are several benefits to this change. Travelers no longer need to go through the process of applying for a transit visa for short stays. It also opens the door to more affordable international flights with layovers in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, without added paperwork or fees.
For those with a longer layover, there’s the option to request a temporary entry permit at the port of entry. This allows travelers to briefly exit the airport or port area and explore nearby attractions or stay at a hotel before continuing their journey.
To use the 24-hour visa-free transit, travelers must meet a few basic requirements:
- Be of any nationality
- Be in transit to a third country or region (for example, traveling from Canada to Thailand via China)
- Stay in China for no more than 24 hours
- Have a valid passport and a confirmed onward ticket with a reserved seat
- Enter through any of China’s international ports
If you wish to leave the airport or port during your transit period, you’ll need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the immigration checkpoint.
This policy is especially helpful for those new to international travel, making multi-country trips more flexible and affordable, while offering a chance to briefly experience a new destination along the way.
