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China 240hr Visa Waiver question

Hi, I'm a Brit travelling to China next month. I plan to fly Hanoi-Shanghai-Xi'An-Bangkok. I will be departing China on the 10th day.

Is this allowed? I heard connecting flights within China were not permitted. (arriving in one city, departing via another)

Thanks for any info

The 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy in China allows nationals from certain countries, including the UK, to stay in specific cities or regions without a visa. However, there are strict rules about where you can travel during this period.

For your plan—flying Hanoi → Shanghai → Xi’an → Bangkok—the key points are:

  • The 240-hour visa-free transit is only valid within the specified city or region. For Shanghai, this typically includes Shanghai Municipality. You are allowed to enter Shanghai, travel within its designated area, and depart from the same or another airport in Shanghai within the 10-day period.
  • Connecting flights to another city (Xi’an) are generally not permitted under the 240-hour visa-free transit. The policy requires that you stay within the approved region. Leaving that region (e.g., going to Xi’an) would normally require a proper Chinese visa.
  • If you plan to travel to Xi’an, you would need a standard tourist visa (L visa) or adjust your transit plan to stay entirely within the approved Shanghai region for the duration.

Additional considerations:

  • The 240-hour transit starts from the date/time you first enter the approved city/region.
  • Customs and immigration officers may ask for your onward flight ticket showing exit from the approved area within 10 days.
  • Violating the region restriction (e.g., flying to Xi’an) could result in denial of entry or fines.

In short, under the 240-hour visa-free transit in Shanghai, you cannot fly to Xi’an and remain visa-free. If you wish to visit Xi’an, you should apply for a tourist visa in advance or plan your itinerary so that your travel stays entirely within the allowed transit region.

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