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Question: Asked by John from usa | May. 18, 2026 10:16

About:240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Do the countries before and after arrival in China have to be on the list of 54 countries?

I am a US citizen traveling to Beijing in late June/early July with the following itinerary:

29 June: Seattle – Manila – Beijing
5 July: Beijing – Seoul – Seattle

I know that the US and South Korea are on the list of 54 approved countries for 240-hour visa free transit, but the Philippines is not. Would I still qualify for the 240-hour visa free transit?

Thank you.

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Answers (2): Answered by Borut | May. 19, 2026 09:25

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John, 240 visa free transit scheme requires that the immediate points before and after mainland China have to be in any two different countries or any two eligible territories. Eligible territories are Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. So, this requirement is in no way related to 54 countries. 54 countries means only that their citizens (passport holders) are eligible for 240 hour visa free transit and nothing more. Just to re-confirm, you can travel to China from any country and also depart from China to any country (only, they have to be different) plus you can combine your itinerary with eligible territories if you want.

The conclusion to your query is easy. Your entire itinerary is definitely eligible for 240 hour visa free transit in every single aspect. Have a nice visit to China.

0 0 Reply; Answered by John | May. 20, 2026 06:40

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Thank you very much!

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Do the countries before and after arrival in China have to be on the list of 54 countries?