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China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: Your Gateway to 10 Days of Medical and Wellness Travel
Last Updated: April 2026
Overview: A Major Step Forward for International Visitors
China has significantly expanded its visa-free transit policy, making it easier than ever for international travelers to access the country’s world-class healthcare and wellness services. Effective December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) replaced the previous 72-hour and 144-hour transit schemes with a unified 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy — giving medical tourists, wellness seekers, and business travelers unprecedented flexibility to explore China’s healthcare offerings.
This policy expansion reflects China’s commitment to fostering global connections and promoting people-to-people exchanges, particularly in healthcare tourism and medical services.
Who Can Benefit: 55 Eligible Countries
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 55 countries, following the addition of Indonesia on June 12, 2025.
This includes citizens from major healthcare source markets:
European Countries (40)
- Schengen Area (25): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Other European Countries (15): Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus
Americas (6)
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Asia (7)
Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates
Oceania (2)
Australia, New Zealand
Entry Points: 65 Ports Across 24 Provinces
As of November 5, 2025, the policy now includes 65 open ports (expanded from 60), covering 24 provincial-level regions across China.
This gives medical tourists multiple convenient entry options:
Major International Airports
- Beijing: Capital International Airport, Daxing International Airport
- Shanghai: Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao International Airport
- Guangzhou: Baiyun International Airport
- Shenzhen: Bao’an International Airport
- Chengdu: Shuangliu International Airport, Tianfu International Airport
- Xi’an: Xianyang International Airport
- Kunming: Changshui International Airport
Newly Added Ports (November 2025)
Five additional ports in Guangdong Province were added to facilitate Greater Bay Area access:
- Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal
- Hengqin Port (Zhuhai)
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port
- Zhongshan Port (Passenger)
- West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link
Railway & Cruise Ports
The policy also covers railway stations and cruise ports, including:
- Mohan Railway Port (Yunnan)
- Shanghai Port (Cruise)
- Tianjin Port (Cruise)
- Xiamen Port (Cruise)
Key Requirements for Medical Travelers
To qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit, you must meet these requirements:
Essential Documents
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months from arrival date
- Confirmed Onward Ticket: Must have a confirmed ticket with seat and departure date to a third country or region (not your country of origin) within 240 hours
- Completed Arrival Card: Can now be filled online before arrival via the NIA website or “NIA 12367” App (effective November 20, 2025)
Important Rules
- Transit Requirement: You must be traveling to a third country or region. Returning to your departure country is not permitted under this policy.
- Stay Calculation: The 240-hour period starts at 00:00 (midnight) the day after entry. For example, if you arrive at 2:00 PM on April 20, your countdown begins at midnight on April 21.
- Cross-Provincial Travel: You can travel freely between the 24 eligible provinces during your stay
Permitted Activities for Healthcare Travelers
During your 240-hour stay, you may engage in:
- ✅ Medical tourism and healthcare consultations
- ✅ Wellness treatments and traditional Chinese medicine therapies
- ✅ Business activities related to healthcare partnerships
- ✅ Visiting family or friends
- ✅ Cultural exchanges and sightseeing
Activities requiring prior visa approval:
- ❌ Employment/work
- ❌ Formal study programs
- ❌ News reporting/journalism
Strategic Implications for Medical Tourism
Why 10 Days Matters for Healthcare Travel
The extended 240-hour window transforms what’s possible for medical tourists:
- Comprehensive Health Screenings: Schedule full-day health check-ups at top-tier hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou
- TCM Treatment Courses: Complete a 7-10 day traditional Chinese medicine treatment cycle including acupuncture, cupping, and herbal therapy
- Multi-City Consultations: Visit specialists in different cities — perhaps a cardiologist in Beijing, a TCM practitioner in Chengdu, and a wellness retreat in Yunnan
- Recovery Time: Allow adequate rest after minor procedures before continuing your journey
Popular Medical Tourism Routes Within 10 Days
Table
| Route | Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing → Shanghai | Advanced diagnostics + Wellness | 7-8 days |
| Shanghai → Hangzhou | Cosmetic procedures + Recovery | 6-7 days |
| Guangzhou → Guilin → Kunming | TCM treatments + Wellness retreat | 9-10 days |
| Chengdu → Xi’an | Rehabilitation + Historical wellness | 8-9 days |
| Beijing → Tianjin | Cancer screening + Coastal recovery | 5-6 days |
Accommodation Registration Requirements
During your stay, you must comply with Chinese accommodation regulations:
- Hotels: The hotel will automatically register your accommodation with authorities
- Private Residences: You or your host must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival
What If You Need to Stay Longer?
If unforeseen medical circumstances require extending your stay beyond 240 hours, you must apply for a stay permit from the local Exit and Entry Administration before your visa-free period expires.
Contact Information
For specific inquiries about your itinerary or policy details:
- Within China: Call 12367 (National Immigration Administration hotline)
- Outside China: Call +86-21-12367
Conclusion
China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy represents a significant opportunity for medical tourists and wellness travelers. With 55 eligible countries, 65 entry ports, and 10 full days to explore, patients can now access China’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and traditional medicine offerings with unprecedented ease.
Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge cancer treatment in Beijing, traditional Chinese medicine in Chengdu, or wellness retreats in Yunnan, this policy provides the flexibility to design a comprehensive health journey across multiple destinations — all without the paperwork and waiting time of a traditional visa application.
Plan your health journey to China today. Your 10-day window to wellness awaits.
Disclaimer: Immigration policies are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the National Immigration Administration or your local Chinese embassy before travel. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
