Visa Guide
China's 240-Hour Transit Visa via Xi'an
Citizens of 54 countries can enter China through Xi'an visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) — no Chinese embassy visit required. You just need an onward ticket to a third country or region. Here's everything you need to know.
Written by Chen Yu
Photography & Practical Guides Writer · Xi'an since 2021
Chen Yu is a Xi'an-based photographer who has shot the Terracotta Warriors in every season and lighting condition since 2021. He handles all the practical infrastructure content — transportation, payments, SIM cards, visa guides — because he has personally test-run every route and setup process described on this site.
The short answer
If you're flying from Country A → Xi'an → Country B (where B ≠ A), and you hold a passport from one of 54 eligible countries, you can stay in Shaanxi province for up to 240 hours without a Chinese visa. The permitted travel area covers all of Shaanxi, including Xi'an, Mount Huashan, Hukou Waterfall, and Famen Temple.
How It Works
Book a transit flight through Xi'an
Your route must be: Country A → Xi'an (XIY) → Country B, where Country B is different from Country A. Example: Tokyo → Xi'an → Seoul. Or: London → Xi'an → Hong Kong.
Arrive at Xi'an Xianyang Airport
Proceed to the 240-hour transit visa counter at immigration (follow signs for 'transit visa' or '临时入境许可'). Do NOT go to the regular immigration lane.
Submit your documents
Present: (1) valid passport (6+ months validity), (2) confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 240 hours, (3) visa for the onward country if required, (4) arrival card.
Receive your transit permit
The officer will stamp your passport with a temporary entry permit. You can then collect your luggage and enter China. The permit is valid for the full Shaanxi province.
Key Rules
Eligible Countries (54)
If you hold a passport from any of these countries, you are eligible:
Example Transit Itineraries
Tokyo → Xi'an (3 days) → Seoul
Classic East Asia route. See the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the City Wall, eat in the Muslim Quarter.
London → Xi'an (5 days) → Bangkok
Add Mount Huashan and Famen Temple. Five days gives you a full experience of Xi'an and surrounding Shaanxi.
Seoul → Xi'an (2 days) → Singapore
Quick stopover. Focus on Terracotta Warriors + City Wall + Muslim Quarter. Tight but doable.
Sydney → Xi'an (7 days) → Hong Kong
Extended stay. Visit Terracotta Warriors, Huashan, Hukou Waterfall, Famen Temple, and Qianling Mausoleum.
FAQ
Do I need to apply in advance?
No. You apply on arrival at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. The process takes about 30 minutes at the immigration counter. No online application or embassy visit is needed.
Can I travel to Beijing on the 240-hour transit visa?
No. The 240-hour transit visa via Xi'an only permits travel within Shaanxi province. If you want to visit Beijing, you would need a separate Chinese visa or use the transit visa through a Beijing entry point.
What if my flight is delayed and I overstay?
Contact the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau immediately. If the delay is due to the airline (weather, mechanical), they will typically extend your permit at no cost. Keep documentation of the delay.
Can I work or study on the transit visa?
No. The 240-hour transit visa is strictly for tourism and transit. Working or enrolling in courses is not permitted.
Verify Before You Go
Immigration policy changes frequently. Before booking, confirm the current rules with official sources — especially the list of eligible countries and the exact permitted duration, which can be adjusted without notice:
- →China National Immigration Administration — official policy and eligible-country notices: nia.gov.cn/en
- →Your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate — the authoritative source for your nationality: find yours via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- →Xi'an Xianyang International Airport — transit desk hours and on-arrival process: xxia.com
This guide reflects our verified information as of August 2026. We update it as soon as we confirm changes.