Are US passport holders on the 240-hour TWOV list?
Yes. The United States is listed among the 57 countries on the NIA Visa-Free Transit Policies page dated 2026-08-20. Always re-check the live official list before travel.
Nationality · United States
China 240-hour TWOV for United States passport holders
A short, independent explainer for travelers with a United States 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: United States 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 United States travelers
Do I need an onward ticket to a third country?
Yes. 240-hour TWOV requires confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region — not a simple round-trip home. Confirm with your airline and NIA 12367.
When does the 240-hour clock start?
The stay is counted from 00:00 on the day following entry. Plan your exit within the allowed hours.
Is TWOV the same as visa-free tourism entry?
No. TWOV is separate from unilateral visa-free programs. This page covers Transit Without Visa only.
Which ports can I use?
NIA designates 65 ports across 24 provincial-level regions. This site highlights major hubs (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) but the hub list is incomplete — confirm on NIA.