What is the 240-hour visa-free transit and can I use it for business meetings?

Quick Answer

China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit lets eligible travelers pass through approved Chinese ports and stay in designated areas for up to 10 days while continuing to a third country. Business meetings, factory visits and trade fairs are permitted activities under the policy.

• Your passport nationality must be on the eligible list, and you need an onward ticket to a third country.
• Entry and exit must use approved ports (including major airports in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and many others).
• The stay is limited to 10 days within the approved region — plan your meeting cluster inside that window.
• If your trip needs more days or your route does not qualify, an M visa is the safe fallback.