Check every condition
- At review, NIA lists 57 nationalities and 65 ports in 24 provincial-level regions, including Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan added in 2026. Check your nationality against the current official list below.
- Your travel document must have at least three months of validity and you must qualify to enter the next destination. Document type, travel purpose and immigration history can also affect permission.
- Have confirmed onward travel, accommodation details and your China itinerary ready. A booking request, unissued waitlist or verbal plan should not be treated as proof of onward travel.
Third destination and permitted areas
Compare the places immediately before and after mainland China: London → Shanghai → Tokyo illustrates a third-destination route; London → Shanghai → London does not. For connecting flights, list every actual stop and confirm with the airline and 12367, rather than comparing only the endpoints of your booking.
“24 provinces” does not mean every part of each province is open. Check each city, attraction and connection against the official port and stay-area table; travel between provinces must remain within the allowed area. Do this before buying domestic transport.
Applying and counting the stay
- 1
Confirm before flying
Ask your airline to check boarding eligibility using the complete itinerary, passport nationality and validity. Save offline copies of the policy and onward booking.
- 2
Apply at immigration
Follow the transit-without-visa signs and present your document, ticket and requested arrival information. Border authorities decide admission; airline acceptance does not guarantee entry.
- 3
Use the authorised deadline
The official clock begins at 00:00 on the day after entry. Check the actual deadline on your temporary entry permission and leave a delay buffer; your calculation does not replace that permission.
Check before you go
This is a conditions checklist, not an admission guarantee. Resolve nationality, port and connection questions with NIA 12367 and your carrier before buying non-refundable travel.
Common questions
Can I work or study on transit permission?
Do not use transit permission for work, study or journalism requiring prior approval. Even permitted tourism or business visits must stay within the authorised scope.
What if my onward flight is cancelled?
Contact the airline immediately and contact local public-security exit-entry authorities or 12367 before your permission expires. Keep cancellation evidence; do not assume an automatic extension.
Read next & sources
Sources
- Visa-free transit policies (57 countries)国家移民管理局 / NIA · 2026-08-20
- Arrival cards, transit conditions and timing国家移民管理局 / NIA · 2025-11-03
Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.