China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit, Explained for Guizhou

Since December 2024, citizens of 54 countries can visit Guizhou for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, flying in through Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport. Here's exactly how it works — and how to make it a smooth trip.

What is the 240-hour visa-free transit?

China's visa-free transit lets travelers pass through China to a third country or region without applying for a visa in advance. The window was extended from 72/144 hours to 240 hours (10 days) in late 2024, and Guizhou is fully included in the open area.

For most visitors this means: no visa appointment, no fee, no paperwork — just your passport and an onward ticket. You get a transit stamp at the airport and up to ten days to explore.

Who is eligible?

The policy covers citizens of 54 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, most European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

The 3 things you must have

• Valid passport — at least 6 months of validity remaining
• Onward ticket to a third country or region — your exit flight must leave within the 240-hour window. Returning to your departure country does not count as "third country" for transit purposes
• Departure within 240 hours — count carefully; overstaying can mean fines and future entry problems

What happens at Guiyang airport

Step	What to do
1. Land	Arrive at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)
2. Transit counter	Go to the visa-free transit / "240-hour" counter, not the regular visa queue
3. Show documents	Passport + confirmed onward ticket. You may be asked for your hotel booking and rough itinerary
4. Get stamped	Fingerprint scan, photo, and a transit stamp marking your entry date
5. Exit within 10 days	Leave China from a port open under the policy before your 240 hours run out

How to pay without a Chinese bank card

China is almost cashless, but it's easy for visitors now:

• Alipay and WeChat Pay — both let international visitors link a foreign Visa/Mastercard and pay by scanning QR codes
• Cash — keep some small RMB notes for street stalls and small shops
• We can help you get set up in the airport or hotel before your first outing

Staying connected

An eSIM (like Airalo or Nomad) works in Guizhou and activates in minutes, or pick up a local SIM at the airport. Download WeChat and a translation app before you land — both make everything easier.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Booking an exit flight back to your departure country — it must be a third country
• Counting 10 days from the wrong point — the clock starts when you're stamped in
• Assuming the rule covers all of China — Guizhou is open, but always check the area that applies to your entry port
• No onward ticket printed — have the confirmation handy, on paper or offline

Want us to handle it all?

We check your visa-free eligibility, meet you at Guiyang airport with a sign, handle your hotel and transport, and show you the province — waterfalls, karst landscapes and Miao villages, at your pace.

Plan My Trip in Guizhou

This guide is for general information. Visa policy can change without notice — always confirm with official sources before booking.