Flying into Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)? This guide explains whether you need a visa to enter China, how visa-free entry and the 24-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policies work, which documents to prepare, and what to expect at immigration and customs on arrival.

Entry rules change frequently. Always confirm the current requirements for your nationality with official sources and your airline before travelling.

China Entry Essentials at a Glance

Valid Passport

Carry a valid passport and check the validity requirements that apply to your visa or exemption. Your passport details must match your travel documents.

Visa or Exemption

Confirm whether you need a visa, qualify for unilateral visa-free entry, or meet the conditions of a visa-free transit policy before departure.

Arrival Preparation

Prepare your accommodation details, onward travel documents and any required arrival information for immigration inspection.

Important: Check Your Passport's Eligibility

Visa-free entry and transit regulations in China vary strictly based on your nationality and passport type. Not all foreign travelers qualify for unilateral visa exemption or 240-hour visa-free transit. Always verify whether your specific passport qualifies for an exemption or if a standard visa is required before booking your travel.

01 / Visa Requirements

Do You Need a Visa to Enter China?

China operates several entry arrangements for foreign nationals. The correct route depends primarily on the passport you hold and the reason for your visit. Do not assume that a visa exemption for one nationality, passport category or type of trip also applies to another.

Visa-Required Visitors

Foreign nationals without an applicable exemption. Obtain the appropriate visa before travel, unless a specific entry permit applies.

Unilateral Visa-Free

Eligible ordinary passport holders from designated countries. Stays up to 30 days for specified short-term purposes.

Mutual Exemption

Eligible passport holders covered by a bilateral agreement. Passport type and permitted stay depend on the agreement.

Visa-Free Transit

Travelers meeting 24-hour or 240-hour conditions. Requires a qualifying transit itinerary and route compliance.

Which Visa Should You Apply For?

The visa category depends on your actual purpose of travel. Tourism, business visits, employment, study and family visits may have different documentation and authorization requirements.

Tourism: Check applicable tourist visa requirements if you are not exempt.

Business: Confirm whether your activities are permitted under your visa or exemption.

Employment / Study: Obtain appropriate authorization; tourist exemptions do not authorize work or study.

Family Visits: Check the correct visa category and supporting documents for your circumstances.

02 / Visa-Free Entry

China's Visa-Free Entry Policy

China has expanded its unilateral visa-free arrangements for eligible travelers. Under the policy published by China's National Immigration Administration on February 17, 2026, ordinary passport holders from designated countries may enter for qualifying short-term activities and stay for up to 30 days, subject to the policy's conditions and effective dates.

Typical Permitted Purposes

Tourism Business visits Visiting relatives and friends Exchange visits Transit

Important Limitations

  • Eligibility depends on nationality and passport type.
  • Work and study are not authorized by this general exemption.
  • Other activities may require prior approval or a visa.
  • The policy's validity period must be checked before departure.

Travelers should also carry supporting documents such as return or onward tickets, hotel reservations and an invitation letter when relevant. Immigration officers retain the authority to assess entry eligibility.

03 / Visa-Free Transit

Visa-Free Transit at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is an eligible entry point for China's visa-free transit arrangements. Two separate policies may be relevant: the 24-hour visa-free transit policy and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

24h

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

For qualifying international connections

  • Available in principle to nationals of countries around the world who meet the transit rules.
  • Must hold valid travel documents and confirmed onward travel to a third country or region.
  • Transit in China must not exceed 24 hours.
  • Travelers remaining in the restricted area may qualify without a visa.
  • Leaving that area requires a temporary entry permit from the immigration authorities.

Important: A connecting flight alone does not guarantee entry. Confirm arrangements with your airline.

240h

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Up to 10 days for eligible nationalities

As of August 20, 2026, China extends its 240-hour visa-free transit policy to nationals of 57 designated countries. Eligible travelers can stay within permitted areas for up to 240 hours.

  • Must hold an ordinary passport from one of the 57 eligible countries.
  • Must travel from China to a third country or region with confirmed onward travel.
  • Itinerary must satisfy applicable transit-route requirements.
  • Work, study and news reporting activities are not authorized.

Route matters: A return itinerary between the same country and China may not qualify.

How the permitted stay is calculated

The permitted stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry under the applicable transit policy. Do not calculate your departure deadline solely by adding 240 hours to your landing time.

04 / Documents

Required Documents for Entry into China

Prepare your documents before departing for Guangzhou. Exact requirements depend on whether you are entering on a visa, using an exemption or transiting.

Passport

All international travelers. Check validity, condition and blank page requirements.

Visa or Exemption

As required by nationality. Confirm the correct visa category or exemption conditions.

Onward Ticket

Particularly for visa-free transit. Keep an itinerary showing destination, dates and booking.

Accommodation

When requested for the intended stay. Keep your hotel address or host contact details accessible.

Invitation Letter

Where relevant to the purpose of travel. Business and family visits may require extra proof.

Arrival Card

As required under entry procedures. Check the official online arrival-card service before your flight.

05 / Step-by-Step

Arrival Procedures at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

1

Follow Signs

Follow international arrivals signs toward immigration inspection or transfer routes.

2

Arrival Card

Complete the foreigner arrival card or required digital arrival formalities.

3

Document Check

Present your passport, visa or exemption proof, and onward ticket to immigration officers.

4

Baggage & Customs

Collect checked baggage if entering China and clear customs inspection.

5

Public Area

Proceed to the arrivals hall and ground transport, or follow transfer signs to your connecting flight.

06 / Arrival Card & Customs

China Arrival Card & Customs Regulations

Online Arrival Registration

China's National Immigration Administration provides an online channel for foreign nationals to complete arrival-card information. Keep reference details accessible during your journey.

Medication

Carry medicines in original packaging where possible and retain doctor prescriptions. Controlled substances are subject to extra restrictions.

Cash & Valuables

Check official declaration thresholds for cash and regulated items. Declare goods when required.

Food & Agriculture

Meats, fresh produce, plants, seeds and animal products are strictly prohibited or restricted.

Restricted Goods

Firearms, weapons, hazardous materials and cultural objects are subject to strict customs rules.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Confirm visa requirements for your nationality and passport type.
Check whether a visa-free entry or transit policy applies to your route.
Verify passport validity and make sure it is in good physical condition.
Keep confirmed onward tickets and accommodation details accessible.
Check whether you must complete China's arrival card online.
Review customs restrictions and allow sufficient time for inspection.

China Entry via Guangzhou Baiyun: Frequently Asked Questions

Essential answers for travelers arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

It depends on your nationality, passport type, purpose of travel and length of stay. Some travelers qualify for visa-free entry, while others need a visa. Check current official rules before departure.

No. Visa-free entry is only available to passport holders from designated countries covered by bilateral agreements, unilateral visa-free policies, or eligible visa-free transit programs. Travelers from non-exempt countries must obtain a valid visa prior to arrival.

It allows eligible travelers from 57 designated countries to transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours, provided they meet the passport, onward-ticket, route and permitted-area requirements. It is not a general visa-free holiday scheme for all nationalities.

Only if you are authorized to enter mainland China. Depending on your nationality and itinerary, you may need a visa or a temporary entry permit under the applicable transit policy. Do not leave the airport's restricted transit area without confirming that you have permission.

A qualifying traveler may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if the relevant conditions are met and the traveler remains in the designated restricted area. Leaving that area generally requires a temporary entry permit. Check your route and airline's transfer arrangements.

Foreign nationals should check the current arrival-card requirements and any applicable exemptions before traveling. China's National Immigration Administration provides an official online service for arrival-card information. Follow the latest instructions from the authorities.

The permitted stay depends on the applicable arrangement. China's general unilateral visa-free policy allows eligible ordinary passport holders to stay for up to 30 days for qualifying purposes. The 240-hour transit policy permits eligible travelers to stay for up to 10 days within designated areas.

No. Ordinary short-term visa-free entry and transit arrangements do not generally authorize employment. Work, study and other regulated activities require the appropriate visa or prior authorization where applicable.

Be prepared to present your passport, visa or proof of exemption, and onward ticket where relevant. Accommodation details, invitation letters and other supporting documents may also be requested depending on your travel purpose.

Consult official channels such as the National Immigration Administration of China for immigration rules and the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for visa information. Your airline can also confirm document requirements prior to boarding.