What are the transit rules in China?

What Are the Conditions for a 24-hour Visa-Free Transit in China?
  • You must have a valid passport for at least three months from the date of entry.
  • You are limited to staying only in the transit area.
  • You can travel by plane, ship, or train.
  • You must purchase onward tickets to a third country or region.




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When transiting certain international airports, you may stay in mainland China without a PRC visa. However, this “visa-free travel” permit is only valid for the city of arrival and does not allow you to visit other cities in the PRC. The duration of allowed stay and how broadly you may travel varies by region.

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All international travelers (except those exempted due to special circumstances) that are transiting through China are permitted to apply for a 24-hour visa-free entry permit upon arrival. As with the other two visa-free transit policies, travelers must provide a connecting ticket to a third country.

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China's visa-free policies allow nationals of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand to travel to China for stays ranging from 24 hours to 180 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

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In most, not all, countries if you are transitting you remain airside and do not pass immigration. Therefor, you do not need a visa. In the US, however, if you are transitting and change planes, you have to clear customs and immigration, collect your baggage and check in again.

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All travellers British nationals need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao.

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For applicants of 144-Hour Visa-free Transit, you can leave Capital Airport and stay in any hotels you like, or firstly rest yourself in a hotel nearby when flight arrives at midnight or early morning, e.g. Hilton, Cordis Beijing Hotel, Crowne Palaza Hotel, etc.

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Foreigners normally need to obtain a visa for a trip to China before departure, while in certain cases they are likely to get a China visa on arrival at entry ports. The validity counts from the day following your entry and only one entry is allowed. Once you exit from China, the VOA expires.

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In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry. If you want to simplify the process, consider applying for Global Entry.

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Starting from 30 August 2023 (local time), China-bound Travelers will no longer need to do COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen Test. Relevant information will no longer need to be provided when filling the Health Declaration Form.

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Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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