240 hours transit visa for china

Question

I am an American travelling with family to China via a layover in Tokyo on 18 May for about 4 days. We will arrive into Beijing International Airport on 23rd and also visit Shanghai. Leave for Hawaii on 30 May with Korean Airlines via a short stop in Seoul. Do I qualify for 240 hours (10 days) Transit visa in China? I already have all airline tickets purchased. Feedback will be much appreciated.

Answer

Yes, as an American citizen, you qualify for China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, provided you meet all the necessary requirements.

Under this policy, eligible travelers can stay in designated regions of China for up to 240 hours without a visa, provided they:

Hold a valid passport with at least three months of validity remaining.
Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, departing within 240 hours of arrival in China.
Enter and exit China through one of the eligible ports of entry.
Stay within the permitted transit area during their stay.

For your itinerary:

Arrival in Beijing on 23 May: You can enter China under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
Travel to Shanghai: You can travel within the permitted transit area, which includes Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei Province, Shanghai, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province.
Departure on 30 May: Your onward flight to Hawaii via Seoul is eligible, as it is to a third country (Hawaii) with a stopover in Seoul.

Ensure that your flight from Beijing to Shanghai is within the permitted transit area and that you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. It's advisable to check with the airline and Chinese immigration authorities to confirm the specific requirements and any necessary documentation.

By meeting these conditions, you can enjoy your 10-day stay in China without the need for a visa.