24/72/144-hour China visa-free transit. China allows eligible travelers from certain countries to enter and stay in certain areas of China for 24, 72, and 144-hour periods without prior application for a visa when transiting to a third country.

While the user asked about 2023, the current landscape in 2026 is much more favorable. China has significantly optimized its Visa-Free Transit policies to boost international travel. As of March 2026, citizens from 55 eligible countries (including the U.S., UK, Canada, and much of Europe) can enjoy a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when traveling through major hubs to a third country or region. This is a substantial increase from the previous 144-hour limit. To qualify, you must hold a valid international travel document and a confirmed interline ticket to a third destination within the 10-day window. Furthermore, China has implemented unilateral visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from many European and Oceanian countries for stays up to 30 days until the end of 2026. If you are simply transiting through a Chinese airport and not leaving the restricted area for less than 24 hours, no visa or special permit is required regardless of nationality. These policies have made China one of the most accessible major transit points in Asia for the 2026 travel season.