Q&A on the transit visa-free policy

China implements a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of all countries in the world at all ports open to the outside world.

Foreign nationals holding valid international travel documents (valid for at least three months) and connecting tickets with confirmed dates and seats (transiting through China via international flights, ships or trains) and staying in China for no more than 24 hours without leaving the restricted area of the port are exempted from visa application.

If you really need to leave the port, you must apply to the exit and entry border inspection authority of the port for a temporary entry permit.

● Must be in possession of a valid international travel document (valid for at least three months) proving nationality and identity, and meet the entry requirements for a third country/region;

● Applicants must fill in the《Foreigner Temporary Entry Registration Card》with a connecting ticket to a third country/region within 24 hours of the confirmed date and seat or proof that the visa exemption time limit is met, and be questioned by the entry-exit border inspection authorities.

The duration of stay is calculated from 0:00 on the day of arrival and is not related to the actual arrival time.

Example:

● Arrival time: arrive in Beijing at 14:00 on January 1, 2025;

● Start time: 00:00 on January 2, 2025;

● Cut-off time: Must leave Hong Kong by 23:59 on January 11, 2025.

1. Firearms and ammunition

2. Drugs and psychotropic substances

3. Biological and infectious substances

4. Animal and plant products

5. Other Prohibited Items

After entering the country, if any of the following circumstances occurs, a foreigner must apply for a visa extension to the exit-entry administration of the public security organ at or above the county level:

(1) Change of the purpose or duration of stay;

(2) Replacement of a new passport (the original passport is about to expire or the visa page is used up);

(3) Additional pedestrians are required after entry;

(4) Group visitors are required to stay in separate groups.

Failure to extend the visa in time will result in the visa becoming invalid and you will have to leave the country and return to your home country. Overstays will be subject to penalties. The public security authorities will decide whether to issue a new visa within 7 working days after acceptance.

● Valid passport (or international travel document) and existing Chinese visa;

● Completed《Foreigner Visa Document Application Form》(can be collected on-site or downloaded from the official website);

● 2-inch bareheaded white background color photo taken in the past 6 months;

● Completed《Temporary Residence Registration Form》;

● Other supporting documents related to the purpose of stay in China.