240-hour transit is available — a standalone holiday still needs a visa
United States is not on China’s nationwide 30-day visa-free list. You may stay up to 240 hours visa-free when transiting to a third country with a confirmed onward ticket through a designated port. A round-trip holiday that starts and ends at home still needs a visa.
What this means for your trip
- 240-hour transit: confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region
- Enter through an eligible 240-hour port and stay inside that port’s allowed area
- A mainland round-trip holiday that starts and ends at home still needs a visa
Notes for United States passport holders
- The United States is not on China’s 30-day unilateral visa-free list. A standalone holiday or business trip usually needs a tourist (L) or other visa before travel.
- US passport holders can use the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy only with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country via an eligible Chinese port — not for a simple round-trip US–China–US itinerary.
- US emergency / limited-validity passports are generally refused for visa-free and transit visa-free entry; apply for a full visa if you travel on one.
- CITS/visa-center appointments in US cities (for example New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Washington DC) can book out in peak seasons — start several weeks early.
Route planning
Many US travelers enter via Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK/PKX), Guangzhou (CAN), or Chengdu (TFU), often connecting onward to Southeast Asia, Japan, or Korea under 240-hour transit rules.
240-hour transit
Your passport (United States) is on China’s 240-hour transit visa-free list. Entering via Shanghai Pudong International Airport Port allows a stay within Shanghai Municipality, subject to transit conditions.
The permitted stay area depends on your entry port. Enter your exact route in the checker before relying on this option.
Planning a Yunnan trip?
Compare visa and transit routes before planning flights and time in Yunnan.
Yunnan travel from the USA →