Ten days is enough for a proper Sichuan journey β pandas, hotpot, Jiuzhaigou's lakes, even the Tibetan plateau edge β without ever filling in a visa form. This guide covers the rules, the one mistake that gets people turned away, and exactly what to hand the immigration officer.
1. What the policy is
China's visa-free transit scheme allows eligible travelers to enter through designated ports and stay in a defined area for up to 240 hours (10 days) while in transit to another country. In November 2024 the previous 144-hour limit was extended to 240 hours and the number of eligible ports expanded significantly. Chengdu's two airports β Shuangliu (CTU) and Tianfu (TFU) β are both designated entry ports.
2. Who is eligible
Citizens of 54 countries are eligible, including (among others): the United States, United Kingdom, all EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Russia, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. If in doubt about your nationality, check the current list with your airline or China's National Immigration Administration before booking.
3. The one rule people break
Immigration officers will want to see a confirmed onward ticket with seat number, departing within 240 hours of your arrival. A reservation that isn't ticketed can be refused. Book the onward leg first; it's the hinge everything else swings on.
4. What you can and can't do
| You can | You can't |
|---|---|
| Stay up to 240 hours (10 days) from arrival | Extend the 10 days once inside β no exceptions |
| Travel freely within the permitted transit area (for Chengdu entry this covers Sichuan and the surrounding permitted provinces β ask us for the current map) | Leave the permitted area β e.g. hop on a train to Beijing if it's outside your zone |
| Use it multiple times β each transit can use the policy | Work, study, or do journalism on a transit entry |
| Join tours, stay in hotels, ride the bullet trains | Enter if immigration doubts your onward plans or funds |
5. Why Chengdu is the smart entry point
- Both airports are designated ports, with strong connections from Europe, Asia and the Gulf.
- Sichuan fits inside 10 days comfortably: Chengdu (2β3 days), Leshan + Emei (2), Jiuzhaigou + Huanglong (3), with slack to spare β or push west to the plateau.
- Chengdu is a major international hub for your onward leg: Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Hong Kong and beyond are short hops.
- On a practical level: this is the city where we help travelers get Alipay working, eSIMs connected and spice levels calibrated on day one β removing the three things that make DIY China hard.
6. Step by step at the border
- Before you fly: passport valid 6+ months, onward ticket to a third country/region confirmed within 240h, first night's hotel booked, arrival card filled (given on the plane or at e-gates).
- At immigration: say "transit, 240 hours" (they know the term
θΏε’ε ηΎ), hand over passport + onward ticket + hotel booking. Expect 5β15 minutes; fingerprints taken. - You'll get a temporary-entry stamp in your passport β photograph it, mind the date.
- During your stay: carry your passport in big cities (required for hotels and train tickets anyway β your hotel registers you automatically).
- Leaving: just fly out normally on your onward ticket. No exit paperwork beyond the ordinary.
7. Common questions
Can I stay 11 days if I have a visa?
Yes β for longer trips, apply for a standard L (tourist) visa at any Chinese embassy or consulate; we provide invitation letters and full documentation free of charge for booked travelers.
What if my flight is delayed and I overstay by a few hours?
Go to the immigration counter before your 240 hours end and explain β delays get handled with humanity. Don't simply overstay silently; that leads to fines, detention and possible entry bans. Travel insurance with trip-delay cover helps here too.
Do I need cash in advance?
No, but you need a working payment method. Alipay International and WeChat Pay both accept foreign Visa/Mastercard now β we set this up with travelers on arrival day, tested, before we leave the airport.
Does this work for land borders?
Some land and sea ports are included in the scheme, but most travelers use it via air. If you're planning something unusual, ask us and we'll check the current port list with you.
8. Rules change β verify before you fly
Visa policies are revised periodically. This guide reflects the rules as of October 2026, but always confirm with the National Immigration Administration of China, your airline, or the Chinese embassy in your country before booking non-refundable travel. When you travel with us, we check your specific route and nationality against the current rules as part of planning β no charge, no obligation.