The route must be a real transit

The journey into and out of mainland China must connect different countries or regions under the official transit framework. A simple return to the same origin does not become transit just because the stay is short.

Hong Kong and Macao are treated as separate regions for this route analysis, but every segment and ticket should be checked before booking.

Use the newest notice when pages disagree

The National Immigration Administration’s 20 August 2026 announcement expanded the policy to 57 countries and 65 ports. Some older official explainer pages still show earlier country totals.

Use the later formal notice for the country count and the detailed NIA transit page for port and permitted-area mechanics.

OFFICIAL ORIGINALS

Sources checked for this guide

National Immigration Administration57-country 240-hour Transit and Hainan UpdateNational Immigration AdministrationVisa-Free Transit PoliciesState Council English PortalChina’s 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Scope of this article

This guide helps you prepare; it does not replace an embassy, consulate, border authority, school or other competent authority.