What are the New Restrictions for Transit Without Visa?

Question

I'm aware that you can now travel without a visa for up to ten days, given your origination/destination countries are different. Do I still have to leave from the same port/province I flew into? Or can I travel throughout the whole of China now with this new TWOV?

Answer

The current Transit Without Visa (TWOV) rules in China have evolved, allowing certain travelers to stay without a visa for up to 10 days under specific conditions. Here’s a detailed overview of how it works and what it allows you to do:

Basic Eligibility:

You must be traveling to a third country, meaning your arrival and departure countries are different (for example, flying from the US to China, then onward to Thailand).
Your nationality must be eligible for the 10-day TWOV program. Most major countries like the US, UK, Australia, and EU nations are included, but it’s always good to check the latest official list.

Travel Within China:

Previously, TWOV was restricted to the province or city of arrival, meaning you had to depart from the same airport or province you arrived in.
With the updated 10-day TWOV, certain cities now allow travelers to move beyond the initial arrival city. For example, arrivals in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu can travel more widely within those administrative areas or even across multiple provinces—but this depends on which city you enter.
Not all cities permit nationwide travel. It’s essential to check if your entry airport or city allows unrestricted movement or if you are limited to a specific region.

Practical Tips:

Always carry proof of onward travel to a third country within the 10-day period.
Check local transit regulations at your specific port of entry to confirm whether you can visit multiple cities or provinces.
Major transportation hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou generally have more flexible rules, whereas smaller ports may restrict travel to nearby areas only.

In summary, the new 10-day TWOV offers greater flexibility than older transit rules, but you cannot automatically travel freely throughout the whole of China. Your ability to move beyond the entry city depends on the specific city’s regulations and administrative permissions.

What are the New Restrictions for Transit Without Visa?

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