Learn the official 2026 China visa-free transit rules for Sichuan, including 24-hour & 240-hour policies, eligible countries, Chengdu airport entry ports and permitted travel areas for international travelers.
China Visa-Free Transit Policy for Visitors Traveling via Sichuan
I. 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
China’s 24-hour visa-free transit rule applies at all open entry-exit ports across China to citizens of every country worldwide.
Foreign travellers transiting China en route to a third country or region may stay visa-free for up to 24 hours. You must hold valid international travel documents, plus confirmed onward international flight, ship or train tickets. Normally, you cannot leave the port’s restricted zone.
If you need to exit the designated restricted area, you must apply for a temporary entry permit in advance at the port’s immigration inspection authority.
II. 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
The Sichuan 240 hour visa free transit scheme covers passport holders from 57 eligible countries, including Russia, the UK and the United States.
Citizens of these countries transiting China to a third country or region can enter visa-free via 65 designated open entry-exit ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The maximum permitted stay is 10 days.
Requirements: hold an ordinary passport and confirmed onward tickets showing your departure date.
Within approved zones, eligible visitors may sightsee, attend business meetings, make visits or reunite with family. Work, study and news reporting activities still require proper visas and prior official approval.
(I) List of 57 Eligible Countries
Europe (40 countries): Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
North America (2 countries): Canada, United States
South America (4 countries): Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico
Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand
Asia (9 countries): Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam
(II) Eligible Ports & Permitted Stay Areas
In Sichuan, the available entry ports are Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
The permitted travel zone includes 11 cities in Sichuan: Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya’an, Meishan, and Ziyang.
Visa-free transit visitors may travel across permitted areas within the 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, for a maximum stay of 240 hours.
With your valid 240-hour visa-free transit entry, you can explore amazing destinations across the 11 permitted cities in Sichuan. Check our Sichuan custom travel packages for ready-made private tours to Chengdu, Leshan Giant Buddha and other iconic spots.
Source: National Immigration Administration of P.R.China
URL: https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741577/c1731205/content.htmlPlease verify your personal eligibility before booking. The above information is extracted from official government websites. Final entry decision rests with Chinese border immigration officers. For immigration enquiries, call China Immigration hotline: 12367.