240-hour visa-free transit
United States - China 240-hour transit eligibility
American passport holders travel from a continent-spanning nation in North America, where trans-Pacific long-haul flights arrive 12-15 hours behind Beijing. The 240-hour visa-free transit is available via Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or New York (JFK).
- Region
- North America
- Common departure cities
- Los Angeles, New York
- Beijing time difference
- 12–15 hours behind Beijing
- Example third-place transit
- Example transit: Los Angeles → 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.