Common 240-Hour Transit Mistakes

1. Wrong Passport Nationality

The Error: Assuming all nationalities are eligible. The 240-hour policy only applies to citizens of 54 specific countries.

The Fix: Use our eligibility checker tool BEFORE booking flights. Double-check the official list. If your country isn't listed, you need a regular Chinese visa.

Real Example: "I'm from Nigeria and was denied at PEK because I assumed all countries qualified. Had to buy a ticket back to my origin country same day." - Traveler report

2. Booking One-Way Tickets

The Error: Arriving without proof of onward travel within 240 hours.

The Fix: ALWAYS have a confirmed onward flight ticket before arrival. It must depart to a THIRD country (not back to your origin). Print it out—don't rely only on digital.

Alternative: If you're genuinely unsure about dates, book a fully refundable ticket for proof, then change it later.

3. Leaving the Permitted Region

The Error: Traveling to provinces NOT covered by your entry point's policy.

Example Violations:

• Beijing entry → Traveling to Shanghai (different region!)
• Shenzhen transit → Crossing into Hong Kong/Macau
• Shanghai entry → Flying domestically to Xi'an

The Fix: Know your region limits:

• Beijing: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei only
• Shanghai: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang only
• Guangzhou/Shenzhen: Guangdong province only (NOT Hong Kong/Macau)

Consequence: Immediate deportation and potential 5-10 year ban from China.

4. Overstaying the 240 Hours

The Error: Miscounting days or missing departure flight.

The Fix: Understand that 240 hours = 10 days, and the clock starts from 00:01 on your arrival day (not the exact arrival time). Set phone alarms for 48 hours before expiry as a warning.

Real Example: "I thought I had until midnight on day 10, but immigration counts arrival day as day 1 starting at midnight. I overstayed by 18 hours and was fined ¥5,000 + deportation." - Reddit user

5. Not Finding the Transit Desk

The Error: Going through regular immigration lines instead of the transit visa desk.

The Fix: Look for signs in English: "24/72/144/240-Hour Visa-Free Transit" BEFORE regular immigration. If lost, ask airport staff and show your onward ticket. The desk is usually near (but not at) regular immigration counters.

6. No Hotel Booking

The Error: Arriving without accommodation proof.

The Fix: While not always checked, have a hotel booking confirmation (even if refundable). Officers may ask where you're staying. "I'll figure it out" is not an acceptable answer and can lead to denial.

7. Passport Validity Under 6 Months

The Error: Passport expiring within 6 months of arrival.

The Fix: China requires 6 months validity. Check your passport expiry date. Renew if needed BEFORE booking flights to China.

8. Not Printing Documents

The Error: Relying solely on digital tickets/bookings.

The Fix: Print your onward flight ticket, hotel booking, and this policy guide. Digital often works, but printing removes all doubt and speeds up processing.

9. Booking Return to Origin Country

The Error: Onward flight goes back to the same country you came from.

What's Required: Your departure flight must go to a THIRD country. Example:

• ✅ USA → China → Japan (Valid)
• ❌ USA → China → USA (Invalid)

Exception: If you're a resident of a different country than your passport nationality, some leniency may apply, but don't count on it.

10. No Cash/No Payment Setup

The Error: Arriving with zero Chinese currency and no payment method.

The Fix: Have at least ¥500-1000 cash for emergencies. Many places (taxis, small restaurants, tourist buses) still require cash. ATMs at airports don't always accept foreign cards. Set up Alipay international feature before arrival if possible.