layover in china do i need visa？

layover in china do i need visa? Whether you need a visa for a layover in China depends on your nationality, the duration of your stay, and your travel itinerary. Below is a detailed breakdown based on China’s updated visa-free transit policies as of 2025:

1. 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit (No Visa Required)

• Applicability: Available to travelers of all nationalities transiting through China.
• Conditions:
  • Stay within the airport during the layover.
  • Hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 24 hours.
  • Do not leave the airport transit area.
  • If you wish to leave the airport (e.g., for a hotel or sightseeing), you must apply for a Temporary Entry Permit at immigration.

2. 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (10 Days, No Visa Required)

This extended policy applies to citizens of 54 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and most European nations.

Key Requirements:

• Nationality: Must hold a passport from one of the 54 eligible countries.
• Connecting Ticket: A confirmed onward ticket (flight, train, or cruise) to a third country/region (e.g., Hong Kong or Macau count as third regions) within 240 hours (10 days) .
• Entry/Exit Ports: Enter and exit through 60 designated ports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou airports) .
• Permitted Stay Areas: Travel is allowed in 24 provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Sichuan. Excluded regions include Tibet, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia 911.
• Passport Validity: At least 3 months beyond the entry date.

How to Apply:

• Inform your airline about your intent to use the visa-free transit during check-in.
• At the entry port, go to the dedicated transit counter, submit your passport, onward ticket, and arrival card.
• If approved, you’ll receive a temporary stay permit stamped in your passport.

Important Notes:

• Stay Duration: The 240-hour period starts at 00:00 the day after arrival. For example, arriving on January 1 at 3 PM allows you to stay until January 11 at midnight.
• Prohibited Activities: Work, study, or journalism require a separate visa.
• Registration: If staying in a hotel, staff will register you with local authorities. For private stays, register at a police station within 24 hours.

3. 30-Day Visa-Free Entry (No Transit Required)

Citizens of 38 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Malaysia, can enter China visa-free for tourism or business for up to 30 days under a separate policy 110.

Key Exceptions:

• If your itinerary involves returning to your departure country (e.g., US → Beijing → US), you cannot use the visa-free transit policy.
• Travelers with a history of illegal entry, overstaying, or visa violations in China may be denied entry.

layover in china do i need visa? Summary:

For further details, consult your airline.