240-hour visa-free transit through Shenzhen
Shenzhen Bao'an is a designated port and all of Guangdong is open — the natural gateway for a Hong Kong-adjacent transit stop.
Compiled from official sources by Henry · independent · based in China
Your gateway
- Designated port:
- Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
- Province / region:
- Guangdong
- Permitted stay area here:
- Whole province
- Max stay:
- 240 hours (10 days)
Where you can go from Shenzhen
All of Guangdong is open, so Shenzhen, Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area are reachable, with high-speed rail extending the 240h zone further north.
See the full list of permitted regions and check your exact 240-hour window with the 240-hour transit checker.
The onward-ticket rule
240-hour transit is only for travellers passing through to a third country or region— not a round trip back to where you started. You'll need a confirmed onward ticket (date and seat) departing within 240 hours. Common onward legs include Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Check first
Am I eligible? Check in 20 seconds
Pick your nationality, confirm your onward ticket and arrival date — get a clear yes/no and your exact leave-by date.
Open the checker →Frequently asked questions
Can I use China's 240-hour visa-free transit at Shenzhen?
Yes. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is a designated port for the 240-hour visa-free transit. You qualify if you hold a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries and have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region departing within 240 hours.
Where can I travel from Shenzhen on 240-hour transit?
All of Guangdong is open, so Shenzhen, Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area are reachable, with high-speed rail extending the 240h zone further north. Guangdong's permitted area is: whole province. Under the 240-hour rules you may travel across all 24 permitted provincial-level regions, not just the area around Shenzhen.
How long can I stay transiting through Shenzhen?
Up to 240 hours — 10 days. The clock starts at 00:00 Beijing time on the day after you enter, not from your arrival time, and you must leave for your onward third country or region before it runs out.
Do I need an onward ticket to leave Shenzhen?
Yes — a confirmed ticket, with date and seat, on to a third country or region (not back to where you came from), departing within 240 hours. Common onward legs include Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Make the 10 days count: plan a route on high-speed rail or build a day-by-day itinerary matched to your window — and get an eSIM that works the moment you land, no VPN.
Transit through another city
Official sources
Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The 240-hour transit rules, eligible countries, ports and permitted regions change — confirm with the official sources above or your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel. Ready Set China is an independent information site: not a travel agency, booking agent or government body.