In 2026, the 24-hour visa-free transit policy in China is a streamlined process that does not require a prior application at an embassy. To utilize it, you must hold a valid international passport (with at least 3 to 6 months of validity) and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (different from your departure country) with a seat already reserved. Upon landing at a major Chinese airport like Beijing (PEK/PKX) or Shanghai (PVG), you simply follow the signs for "International Transit" or "24-Hour Visa-Free Transit." You will fill out a blue "Arrival Card for Temporary Entry" and present it to the immigration officer. If you wish to leave the airport to stay in a hotel, you must apply for a Temporary Entry Permit at the dedicated desk. Note that as of 2026, citizens of many countries—including Germany, France, and Australia—benefit from even longer 15-day or 144-hour visa-free entries, so it is vital to check your specific nationality's eligibility on the "Visit China Web" portal before travel.