Are Canadian passports on the 240-hour TWOV list?
Canada is listed among the 57 countries on the NIA page dated 2026-08-20. Always re-check NIA and your airline.
Nationality · Canada
China 240-hour TWOV for Canada passport holders
A short, independent explainer for travelers with a Canada ordinary passport who are considering China’s 240-hour Transit Without Visa (过境免签). This is not a government site and not legal advice.
Disclaimer
Policies change. Confirm nationality, ports, stay areas, and ticket rules with the National Immigration Administration, your airline, and the Chinese embassy/consulate that covers you. NIA policy page dated 2026-08-20; site verification 2026-10-31 (research 2026-10-28).
Eligibility at a glance
High-level pattern from published NIA materials — officers decide at the port.
- Nationality: Canada is on the published 57-country 240-hour list (NIA, dated 2026-08-20).
- Onward ticket: Confirmed seats and departure dates to a third country or region (not a simple return home).
- Port: Enter and exit via a designated TWOV port (65 ports; confirm on NIA — our hub list is incomplete).
- Stay: Up to 240 hours in permitted areas; clock from 00:00 the day after entry.
- Activities: Tourism, business visits, and family visits are described as allowed; work, study, and journalism need appropriate visas.
Run the eligibility checker Read full policy basics Sample itineraries
Official sources
- NIA (EN) — Visa-Free Transit Policies / Policy Interpretation (page dated 2026-08-20; verified 2026-10-31)
- NIA (ZH) — 过境免签政策
- NIA (EN) — Dec 2024 relaxation to 240 hours
- Helpline: 12367 (+86-12367)
Also see our nationalities directory and RESEARCH.md.
FAQ for Canada travelers
What documents are typically expected?
Ordinary passport meeting validity expectations (commonly ≥3 months per local FAQs), plus confirmed onward tickets to a third country/region and entry via a designated port.
When does my stay end?
Stay is counted from 00:00 the day after entry and must not exceed 240 hours. Exit via a designated port.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is an independent travel guide. Final decisions are made by immigration officers.