China travel answer · Entry
Can I use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy on a round trip?
Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Conditions and policies can change
CT
Written & reviewed by China Travel Atlas Editorial Team
China Travel Specialists|Based in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai|Last updated: 2026-07-15
Direct answer
A simple return journey such as London–Beijing–London normally does not satisfy the third-country-or-region transit condition. A route such as London–Beijing–Tokyo may qualify if your passport, arrival port, onward ticket and permitted travel area meet every current rule.
What to know
- ●The country or region immediately before mainland China and the onward destination must be different for the transit test.
- ●Hong Kong and Macao are treated as separate regions for immigration-routing purposes, but your exact tickets still matter.
- ●Ask the operating airline and verify with the National Immigration Administration before departure; final admission is decided at the border.
Primary sources to verify
Use the source below to recheck time-sensitive conditions for your exact passport, route or travel date.