240-hour visa-free transit through Haikou or Sanya
Citizens of 57 countries, including the US, can stay in China up to 240 hours (10 days) visa-free while in transit to a third country or region. Haikou Meilan and Sanya Phoenix airports are approved ports. You need a confirmed onward ticket to a different country or region (Hong Kong and Macau count). A round trip home doesn't qualify.
On this page
When to use this
Hainan's 30-day visa-free entry keeps you on the island. The 240-hour transit policy lets you visit other provinces too, but only for 10 days, and only if you're flying on to somewhere else.
| You want to | Best option |
|---|---|
| Stay only in Hainan, up to 30 days | Hainan 30-day visa-free entry |
| Hainan plus other provinces, under 10 days, then fly to a third country | 240-hour transit |
| Hainan plus other provinces for longer, or fly straight home | Nationwide visa-free entry (if your country has it) or a Chinese visa |
The rules
- 57 countries are eligible, including the US. Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan were added on August 20, 2026. 65 ports across China take part.
- Haikou Meilan and Sanya Phoenix airports have been approved ports since December 17, 2024.
- You can stay up to 240 hours, counted from 00:00 the day after you arrive.
- You need a confirmed ticket to a third country or region, leaving within 240 hours. Home → Haikou → Hong Kong works. Home → Haikou → home doesn't.
- You can travel between the 24 provinces covered by the policy. While in Hainan, you can go anywhere in the province.
- Work and study aren't allowed.
Examples
- Works: Los Angeles → Hong Kong → Sanya (5 days) → Guangzhou (3 days) → Bangkok.
- Doesn't work: Los Angeles → Sanya (8 days) → Los Angeles. That's a round trip. Use Hainan's 30-day policy instead.
The lists of countries and ports change. Check with the National Immigration Administration (hotline +86 12367) or your airline before you rely on this.
Source: National Immigration Administration notice No. 4 of 2026; Hainan Provincial Government on the 240-hour policy.