240-hour visa-free transit
Bulgaria - China 240-hour transit eligibility
Bulgaria lies on the Black Sea, an EU member two hours ahead of central Europe, served principally by Sofia (SOF). For Bulgarian passport holders China is a long eastward journey routed through a major hub, so 240-hour visa-free transit is worth planning around.
- Region
- Eastern Europe
- Common departure cities
- Sofia
- Beijing time difference
- 5–6 hours behind Beijing
- Example third-place transit
- Example transit: Sofia → mainland China → a third country or region (not your departure country).
Before you transit — get China-ready
Open the full arrival checklist →Important reminders
- Visa-free entry does not allow work and cannot be extended.
- Register temporary accommodation within 24 hours after check-in.
- Tibet and some border areas may require extra permits before travel.