Planning a trip to Xi'an and wondering about visa requirements? You're in luck! China's expanded transit visa exemption policy has made it significantly easier for international travelers to explore Xi'an's legendary attractions — including the world-famous Terracotta Army — without the hassle of applying for a traditional visa. Here's everything you need to know about how the 240-hour transit visa exemption works, who qualifies, and how to make the most of your visa-free time in Xi'an.
China's transit visa exemption policy has undergone remarkable expansion in recent years. Originally introduced as a 72-hour policy in select cities, it was later extended to 144 hours (six days), and most recently, the Chinese government further expanded it to 240 hours (ten days) for eligible travelers transiting through certain ports — including Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). This policy allows citizens of 54 eligible countries to enter and stay in designated areas of China without a visa for up to 240 hours, provided they are genuinely transiting to a third country or region.
The key word here is transit. You cannot use this policy to simply fly into Xi'an and return to your home country. Your itinerary must show that you are traveling from Country A, stopping in China, and continuing to Country B. For example, if you're flying from London to Xi'an and then onward to Tokyo, you qualify. But flying from London to Xi'an and back to London does not qualify.
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy currently covers passport holders from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, most European Union nations, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, and several others. Citizens of these countries can take advantage of the policy at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport as well as at many other designated entry points across China.
To be eligible, you must meet several requirements. First, you need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Second, you must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region departing within 240 hours of your arrival in China. Third, you cannot have any restrictions that would otherwise prevent your entry into China. This means if you have been previously deported or denied entry, the transit exemption likely won't apply to you.
It's also important to note that your entire journey must be routed through one of the designated ports of entry. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is included in this list, making it a convenient gateway for exploring the Shaanxi province region. For details on getting from the airport to the city center, we recommend checking our Xi'an airport transfer guide.
The process of using the 240-hour transit visa exemption is relatively straightforward, but preparation is essential. When you check in for your flight to Xi'an, your airline will verify that you meet the transit requirements. Make sure you have your confirmed onward ticket readily available — printed or on your phone — as the airline staff will want to see it before you board.
Upon arrival at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, head to the dedicated transit visa-free counter before the regular immigration lines. Here, you'll fill out an arrival card and present your passport, your outbound ticket confirmation, and any hotel booking information you may have. The immigration officer will verify your documents and, if everything checks out, stamp your passport with the 240-hour stay period. We strongly recommend arriving with printed copies of all your documents — onward flights, hotel reservations, and your travel itinerary — as this speeds up the process considerably.
The processing time at the immigration counter typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes, though it can be longer during peak travel periods such as Chinese New Year, Golden Week (October 1–7), or summer holidays. Patience is key, and having your documents neatly organized will make the experience much smoother.
Once approved, you are free to travel within the designated region. For Xi'an, the 240-hour visa-free transit allows you to travel throughout all of Shaanxi Province without restriction. This is fantastic news because it means you can visit not only Xi'an's iconic sites but also nearby destinations like Mount Huashan, one of China's sacred peaks.
During your stay, you can explore the magnificent Terracotta Army, walk or cycle along the ancient Xi'an City Wall, and immerse yourself in the vibrant food culture of the Muslim Quarter. Ten days is a generous amount of time to experience Xi'an thoroughly, and we encourage travelers to take full advantage of it.
However, there are important restrictions to keep in mind. You must not exceed the 240-hour limit. Overstaying is a serious violation of Chinese immigration law and can result in fines, detention, future visa denials, or deportation. The clock starts ticking from midnight on the day following your arrival, so plan your departure carefully. You are also not permitted to travel outside the designated region — for example, you cannot use the Xi'an transit exemption to visit Beijing or Shanghai unless those cities fall under a separate transit arrangement in your itinerary.
We have a few recommendations to help you get the most out of your 240-hour visa-free stay in Xi'an. First, book your onward flight before you depart for China. Without a confirmed ticket to a third country, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter China under this policy. Airlines are strict about enforcement because they face penalties for transporting passengers who are denied entry.
Second, consider booking a flexible or refundable onward ticket as a safety net. Travel plans can change, and having flexibility in your departure date gives you peace of mind while still meeting the visa requirement.
Third, keep all your documents together in a travel folder — passport copies, flight confirmations, hotel addresses in Chinese characters (this is incredibly helpful for taxi drivers), and any tour bookings. Having the Chinese address of your hotel written down can save you considerable time and confusion upon arrival.
Fourth, register with your local police station or hotel within 24 hours of arrival. If you're staying at a hotel, they handle this registration automatically. If you're staying in a private residence or apartment, you must visit the nearest police station to register your presence. Failure to register can result in complications when you depart.
Here's a summary of the most critical details. The maximum stay is 240 hours (10 days) starting from midnight after your arrival. Eligible travelers come from 54 countries, and the policy applies at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. You must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, and you may travel throughout Shaanxi Province during your stay. Overstaying is illegal and carries serious consequences.
The 240-hour transit visa exemption is a game-changer for international visitors wanting to experience Xi'an's extraordinary history and culture without the time and expense of a full visa application. With nearly two weeks to explore, you have ample time to visit the Terracotta Warriors, walk the City Wall, savor biangbiang noodles in the Muslim Quarter, and even venture to Mount Huashan. We encourage all eligible travelers to take advantage of this remarkable policy and discover why Xi'an remains one of the world's most captivating destinations.
For curated experiences and guided tours that help you maximize your visa-free stay, browse our selection of Xi'an tour packages designed specifically for international visitors.
--- This FAQ is part of our comprehensive Xi'an Travel Guide. For more information about visiting Xi'an, explore our Xi'an Tours or contact us directly. Last updated: May 2026