China currently offers several entry routes for short visits, including unilateral visa exemptions, mutual visa-exemption agreements and a 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The correct route depends on your passport, purpose of travel, itinerary and intended length of stay.
Immigration rules can change quickly. This page is general travel information, not legal advice. Verify your position with China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) and the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence before paying for non-refundable travel.
30-day unilateral visa-free entry
According to the NIA list compiled on 17 February 2026, eligible ordinary-passport holders from specified countries may enter China without a visa for tourism, business, visits, exchanges or transit for stays of up to 30 days.
The eligible-country list is not permanent. Do not rely on an old social-media post or a list copied by a travel website. Check the current official list for your nationality and confirm that your proposed purpose and length of stay qualify.
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy
China's former 72-hour and 144-hour transit arrangements were expanded into a 240-hour, or 10-day, policy. The NIA currently lists 55 eligible nationalities.
To apply, a traveller generally needs:
- a valid international travel document;
- nationality from an eligible country;
- a confirmed onward ticket departing within 240 hours; and
- an itinerary from one country or region, through mainland China, to a different third country or region.
A return journey such as United States → China → United States does not satisfy the third-country transit requirement. Hong Kong and Macao are treated as separate regions for this itinerary test, but the immigration authority makes the final decision at the port.
Using the policy for Shanxi
Taiyuan Wusu International Airport is one of the designated entry ports. Official NIA guidance identifies Taiyuan and Datong as the permitted areas in Shanxi for travellers using this policy through the province.
Do not assume that the policy permits unrestricted travel throughout China. The valid ports, permitted areas and cross-provincial routes are defined by the current official policy and may not match the boundaries shown in older guides.
Before relying on transit entry, confirm:
- your nationality is on the current eligible list;
- your arrival port can process 240-hour transit entry;
- every place in your itinerary lies within the permitted area;
- your onward destination is a third country or region; and
- your confirmed departure falls within the allowed period.
The immigration inspection authority at the port decides whether temporary entry is granted.
If you need a tourist visa
Travellers who are not covered by a visa exemption, whose itinerary does not qualify for transit entry, or who plan to remain longer should normally obtain the appropriate visa before travel.
Requirements vary by nationality and application location. Follow the website of the relevant Chinese embassy, consulate or visa application service centre for the current form, appointment process, supporting documents, processing time and fee. Avoid fixed online checklists that do not identify the issuing authority or verification date.
Documents to keep available
Depending on the entry route, border officials may ask to see:
- the passport used for the journey;
- a valid visa or evidence of visa-free eligibility;
- a confirmed onward or return ticket;
- accommodation details; and
- an itinerary consistent with the permitted purpose and area.
Carry accessible copies, but keep the original passport with you when required. Airlines may also check eligibility before boarding.
How Heritage Shanxi can assist
We can provide a confirmed itinerary and booking records for a journey arranged through Heritage Shanxi. We can also point travellers to the relevant official information. We do not determine eligibility, guarantee entry or provide immigration legal advice.
Official checks
- NIA: 240-hour visa-free transit policy
- NIA: countries covered by unilateral visa exemptions
- National Immigration Administration
Last verified: 13 August 2026. Recheck the official sources immediately before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Shanxi, China?
It depends on your passport. China currently offers several entry routes for short visits, including unilateral visa exemptions of up to 30 days for eligible ordinary-passport holders, mutual visa-exemption agreements and a 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Check the current official National Immigration Administration list for your nationality before booking.
What is the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
China's former 72-hour and 144-hour transit arrangements were expanded into a 240-hour, or 10-day, policy covering 55 eligible nationalities. Travellers generally need a valid international travel document, a confirmed onward ticket departing within 240 hours, and an itinerary from one country or region, through mainland China, to a different third country or region.
Can I use the 240-hour transit policy to visit Shanxi?
Yes. Taiyuan Wusu International Airport is one of the designated entry ports, and official NIA guidance identifies Taiyuan and Datong as the permitted areas in Shanxi for travellers using this policy through the province. Every place in your itinerary must lie within the permitted area.
Can I return to the country I departed from during 240-hour transit?
No. The itinerary must continue to a different third country or region, so a return journey such as United States to China to United States does not satisfy the requirement. Hong Kong and Macao are treated as separate regions for this itinerary test, but the immigration authority makes the final decision at the port.
What documents should I keep available at the border?
Depending on your entry route, border officials may ask to see the passport used for the journey, a valid visa or evidence of visa-free eligibility, a confirmed onward or return ticket, accommodation details and an itinerary consistent with the permitted purpose and area. Airlines may also check eligibility before boarding.
