ChinaVisits and short stays

China transit visa (G visa)

G visa (transit) and 24-hour visa-free transit

In short

Foreigners of any nationality may transit through China without a visa for up to 24 hours on a through ticket to a third country if they do not leave the port. Nationals of 57 countries can stay up to 240 hours visa-free in transit. Other travellers who want to leave the airport or stay longer need a G transit visa or another visa.

Apply on China Online Visa Application System (MFA) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
24 hours visa-free without leaving the port; G visa: duration printed on the visa
Fee
The fee depends on your nationality, the number of entries and the Chinese mission where you apply; several missions apply a temporary reduced fee until 31 December 2026, and visa application centres add their own service charge. Check the current table of the embassy or centre responsible for you.
Where to apply
Online form, then documents and passport in person at the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center responsible for your place of residence

240-hour visa-free transit

Nationals of 57 countries, including most European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and several Gulf states, can spend up to 240 hours (ten days) in China on the way to a third country if they enter through one of the 65 open ports and stay within the permitted areas of 24 provincial-level regions. Eligibility depends on your nationality, not on where you live.

You need a valid travel document and an onward ticket with a confirmed seat and date. Tourism, business, visits and family matters are allowed; work, study and journalism require a visa. Citizens of countries on the visa-free list until 31 December 2026 can also use their 30-day visa-free stay for a transit.

24-hour visa-free transit

Among the visa-exempt cases, China lists foreigners transiting to a third country or region by international flight, ship or train with a through ticket, staying no longer than 24 hours and not leaving the port. This applies to all nationalities. Check with your airline whether your airport and connection allow it.

G visa

If you need to leave the airport, change airports or stay longer than 24 hours and cannot use the 240-hour transit or a visa-free stay, apply for a G transit visa with the common documents and your onward ticket to the third country, plus a visa for that country if required.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page, plus copies of visas and entry stamps from the last 12 months

Travel

  • Confirmed onward ticket to a third country

Other

  • Online application form completed and approved in the visa system, with a photo meeting Chinese visa photo rules

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Copies of your last three Chinese visas, if any
  • If you apply outside your country of nationality: proof of legal residence or stay in the country where you apply (residence permit or visa)

Travel

  • Visa for the destination country, if required

At the border

Keep your onward booking and, if relevant, the third-country visa ready for the border officer. China accepts arrival cards filled in online before travel.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Check whether your connection is under 24 hours and stays within the port; if so, no visa is needed.
  2. If you need to leave the airport or stay longer, prepare the common documents and the onward ticket.
  3. Fill in the online form for a G visa on the system named by the Chinese mission responsible for you.
  4. Submit the passport in person after online approval and pay the fee as the mission or visa centre instructs.
  5. Fill in the arrival card online before departure and present your onward ticket at the border.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the city during a 10-hour layover?

Not under the 24-hour rule, which requires you to stay in the port. If your nationality qualifies for the 240-hour transit or the 30-day visa-free stay, you can go into the city; otherwise you need a G visa or another visa.

Which countries are on the 240-hour list?

As of August 2026 the list covers 57 countries, including most European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Senegal are not on it.

Does a transit through Hong Kong need a Chinese visa?

No. Hong Kong and Macao have their own entry rules separate from mainland visas.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for China

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa (short-stay visas allow up to 180 days per entry)

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: X2: up to 180 days; X1: entry visa followed by a residence permit valid 180 days to 5 years

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Entry visa; the work residence permit is valid from 90 days to 5 years
  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Maximum stay: Work type 90 days–5 years; non-work types 180 days–5 years
  • Permanent residence Maximum stay: Permanent; the ID card itself is renewed when it expires

China visa guide