🎉 Great News! Policy Update December 2024
China has upgraded visa-free transit from 144 to 240 hours (10 days)!
Effective December 17, 2024 - Citizens from 54 countries can now stay up to 10 days without a visa.
🎫 Your Visa Options
💡 Which should you choose?
- For health checkups or consultations (1-10 days): Use 240-hour visa-free transit - it's free!
- For planned treatment (2-4 weeks): Apply for Tourist Visa (L)
- For surgery or long treatment: Get Medical Visa (M) with hospital letter
🌐 54 Eligible Countries for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
🇪🇺 Europe (40 Countries)
🌎 Americas (6 Countries)
🌏 Asia-Pacific (8 Countries)
📍 Cities with 240-Hour Visa-Free Entry
60 ports across 24 provinces. Cities with top hospitals are highlighted.
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang Region
Guangdong Province
Other Major Cities
📋 How to Use 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Book Your Flights
You need a confirmed ticket to a third country/region (not your origin country). Example: USA → Beijing → Tokyo works. USA → Beijing → USA does NOT work.
Prepare Documents
Valid passport (6+ months validity), printed onward ticket, and hotel reservation or hospital appointment letter.
At Immigration
Tell the officer you're using 240-hour visa-free transit. They will stamp your passport with allowed stay period.
Enjoy Your Medical Visit
You can now travel freely within the designated region and visit any hospital. Cross-region travel is now allowed!
⚠️ Important Notes
- The 240 hours starts from midnight after your arrival
- You must depart from the same region you entered (unless policy allows cross-region)
- If you need more time, you can apply for a regular visa at the local Exit-Entry Administration
- Keep your passport with you at all times
🔗 Official Resources
- National Immigration Administration of China - Official visa information
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center - Apply for visa online
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Embassy and consulate finder