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Visa & entry

30-day visa-free, 240-hour transit, and the rules people get wrong.

30-day visa-free

●About 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or transit — including most of Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Saudi Arabia and Russia.
●Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, UAE and Qatar have mutual visa exemption agreements with China (30 days).
●Most unilateral exemptions run until 31 Dec 2026; Russia's until 31 Dec 2027. Check for extensions before you book.

●Citizens of 57 countries (including the USA, Mexico, Indonesia) can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) if they fly in from one country and leave to a THIRD country or region. Example: USA → Chengdu → Bangkok is OK; USA → Chengdu → USA is NOT.
●Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) and Shuangliu (CTU) airports both accept 240-hour transit.
●While on transit you may travel in Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya'an, Meishan and Ziyang (plus other permitted provinces). Jiuzhaigou is NOT included.
●Tell the airline and the immigration officer you are using 240-hour transit and show your onward ticket.

●Bring a valid passport (check your airline for any validity requirement).
●Accommodation registration: hotels do it automatically. If you stay with friends or in a private rental, register at the local police station within 24 hours.
●Overstaying is a serious offence — count your days carefully (the arrival day counts from 00:00 next day for 240h transit).

Info checked: 2026-11. Policies change — confirm with official sources before you travel.