Chengdu is one of China’s most useful gateways for a longer stopover. Under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, eligible travelers can enter through designated ports, stay for up to 10 days within the permitted areas, and continue onward to a third country or region without obtaining a Chinese visa in advance. The key is that this is a transit policy: your nationality, route, passport, onward ticket and entry port all need to meet the current rules.
Chengdu visa-free transit in 30 seconds
- Current policy: as of August 20, 2026, the 240-hour transit policy covers nationals of 57 countries.
- Maximum stay: up to 240 hours, or 10 days, subject to the entry permission issued by border inspection.
- Transit requirement: you must be traveling onward to a third country or region rather than simply making a return trip to the same place you arrived from.
- Chengdu entry points: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) are designated ports under the policy.
- Bring: your ordinary passport, confirmed onward travel within the permitted period, accommodation details and any other documents requested at immigration.
What is China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
The policy lets eligible foreign nationals transit through China to a third country or region without obtaining a Chinese visa before travel. The maximum permitted stay is 240 hours. During an approved stay, travelers can undertake short-term activities such as tourism, business, visits and family visits; activities that normally require prior approval, including work, study and news reporting, still require the appropriate visa or authorization.
This is different from China’s separate unilateral or mutual visa-exemption arrangements. If your passport already qualifies for another visa-free entry policy, that policy may be more relevant to your trip. Do not assume the rules are interchangeable.
Who can use the 240-hour transit policy?
As of August 20, 2026, China’s National Immigration Administration lists 57 eligible countries for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The list includes countries in Europe, the Americas, Oceania and Asia and has changed over time, so checking a current official list shortly before departure is more reliable than relying on an old travel screenshot or social post.
In practical terms, you should confirm all of the following before treating the policy as part of your travel plan:
- Your nationality is currently included in the 240-hour policy.
- You hold the required valid ordinary passport or travel document.
- You have confirmed onward transportation to a third country or region within the permitted period.
- Your arrival and departure ports are permitted under the current policy.
- Your planned movements stay within the areas currently allowed for visa-free transit passengers.
For the latest official policy, check the National Immigration Administration before travel.
The third-country transit rule
The most important concept is the word transit. You need an onward journey to a third country or region. A simple out-and-back itinerary may not meet the transit requirement even if your stay in Chengdu is short.
| Itinerary question | What to check |
|---|---|
| Where are you arriving from? | Keep the ticket or booking that clearly shows your inbound international journey. |
| Where are you going next? | Your confirmed onward journey must satisfy the third-country-or-region requirement. |
| When do you leave? | Your onward departure must fall within the period authorized by border inspection. |
| Do you have separate tickets? | Separate bookings can make documentation less obvious, so keep complete confirmations for every sector and verify the itinerary with the carrier if needed. |
Do not build a non-refundable trip around an assumption that a particular routing qualifies. If your itinerary is unusual, multi-city or uses separate tickets, verify it with the airline and immigration authority before departure.
Entering Chengdu through TFU or CTU
Both of Chengdu’s major international airports are designated entry ports under the 240-hour policy:
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU): the newer and larger international gateway, located well outside the city center.
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): closer to central Chengdu and convenient when your flight operates there.
Check the airport code on every ticket. TFU and CTU are separate airports, and transfer times to central Chengdu are very different. After immigration, the Chengdu transport guide explains metro, DiDi, taxis and airport transfers.
Documents to prepare before you fly
Keep the documents that prove your eligibility easy to access rather than buried in email. A practical arrival folder should include:
- Your passport and any other travel document required for the trip.
- Your inbound flight or transport confirmation.
- Your confirmed onward ticket to the third country or region, showing the date and itinerary.
- Your first hotel name, address and booking confirmation.
- Your planned departure port and flight or train details.
- Offline screenshots or PDFs in case airport Wi-Fi or mobile data is not working yet.
How the 240 hours and permitted area work
The 240-hour stay is commonly described as 10 days. Official guidance states that the visa-free stay period is calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry, but your actual permitted stay is governed by the entry authorization issued by border inspection. Always follow the date and conditions given to you at the port.
The policy also has a defined permitted activity area. Chengdu is included, but you should not assume that every destination in Sichuan—or every destination in China—is automatically allowed. The permitted areas and designated ports have been expanded over time, so verify the current official table before adding a side trip.
If you plan to visit places outside Chengdu, check the exact city against the latest NIA rules first. This matters especially for travelers building a 7–10 day Sichuan itinerary around the visa-free transit window.
What happens when you arrive in Chengdu?
- Follow the signs for immigration / temporary entry procedures. Airport staff can direct you to the appropriate counter.
- Present your passport and onward itinerary. Be ready to show the confirmed departure to the third country or region.
- Provide accommodation and trip details if requested. Clear, consistent bookings make the process easier.
- Check your authorized stay carefully. Note the permitted departure deadline and any area restrictions.
- Complete accommodation registration. Hotels generally handle registration for guests. If you stay in a private residence, make sure the required registration is completed within the applicable timeframe.
The border inspection authority makes the entry decision. Leave enough connection time for immigration processing, particularly during busy international arrival periods.
Common visa-free transit mistakes
- Confusing transit with ordinary visa-free entry. The 240-hour policy requires a qualifying transit itinerary.
- Booking a return routing without checking the third-country rule. Confirm the full route before paying for non-refundable travel.
- Using an outdated country list. The eligible list has changed, including updates in 2026.
- Assuming the 240 hours start exactly when the plane lands. Follow the stay period shown by immigration.
- Assuming all of Sichuan is permitted. Check the current allowed-area rules for every side trip.
- Arriving without proof of onward travel. Keep your confirmed itinerary available offline.
- Ignoring airport codes. Chengdu has both TFU and CTU.
Chengdu visa-free transit FAQ
Can I visit Chengdu without a Chinese visa?
Possibly. If your nationality and itinerary satisfy China’s current 240-hour visa-free transit policy—or another applicable visa-exemption policy—you may be able to enter without obtaining a visa in advance. Verify the current official rules for your passport before travel.
How long can I stay under the 240-hour policy?
The policy allows an approved stay of up to 240 hours. Official guidance explains how the period is calculated, but the entry permission issued by border inspection is the document you should follow.
Can I fly into Chengdu and fly back to the same country?
The 240-hour scheme is a transit policy requiring onward travel to a third country or region. A simple return itinerary may not qualify. Check the complete routing before booking.
Can I enter through Tianfu Airport?
Yes. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is a designated port under the current 240-hour policy. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is also listed.
Can I travel anywhere in Sichuan during the 10 days?
Do not assume so. The policy defines permitted activity areas. Check the current NIA port-and-area list for every destination you plan to visit.
Do I need to register my accommodation?
Foreign visitors are subject to accommodation registration requirements. Hotels normally complete this for guests; private stays require appropriate registration within the required timeframe.