240-hour Visa-free Transit in Kunming

 From Dec. 17, 2024, the duration of 144h visa-free transit policy has been extended to 240h for tourism, family visits, exchange visits and business. More importantly, travelers can now cross provincial boundaries to travel between the permitted 24 provinces, regions and municipalities which cover most tourist cities across Mainland China through 60 ports.  See the province and port list on 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Yuxi, Puer, Chuziong, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, Wenshan in Yunnan China have implemented the 240-hour visa-free transit program. Passport holders of the 54 qualifying countries can be granted a visa- free stay of up to 240 hours if they transfer in 24 provinces in China on the way to a third country. 
 

Who qualifies for the 240-hour visa-free transit? - List of 54 Countries

 American Countries: US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand

 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

 Other European Countries: UK, Ireland, Russia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco

 Asian Countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
 

Areas Allowed to Stay

Passengers transiting in Kunming are allowed to tour around 24 provinces under the 240-hour visa-free transit and can leave for the third country or region through 60 eligible ports.
 see the 24 provinces and eligible port list on China 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy
 

What Is an Eligible Route?

Departure Country A: → 24 provinces of China → The Third Country B

 Note that Country A and B should be two different foreign countries or regions and can be Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan of China.
 

What Are the Required Documents?

1. Your passport, valid for not less than three months at the time of entry
2. A flight ticket to a third country with confirmed date and seat (standby flight ticket doesn’t work)
3. A visa to the third country if required
4. The Arrival / Departure Card
 

How to Apply for a 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in 6 Steps

144-hour visa-free transit

1. Inform the airline when boarding
2. Fill out an Arrival/ Departure Card
3. Apply for the 240-hour visa-free stay permit upon arrival
4. Claim your luggage
5. Go through the customs
6. Leave the airport
 

What Are the Eligible Transit Ports?

In Kunming, the 240-hour visa-free transit is available at Changshui International Airport, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport and Mohan Railway Port. 

Inquiry No. of Changshui Airport: 0086-871-96566
Inquiry No. of Sanyi Airport: 0888-5173081
 

What Can I Do in Kunming During the 240 Hours?

Tour around the Dianchi Lake

If the length of your stay is short, you can take a tour around Dianchi Lake, which is about 40 km (25 mi) from the airport. Choose one from the Grand View Park or Haigeng Park to take in the beauty of the lake. If your visit is during the period from October to March, you can see a wide range of migrant birds wintering in these parks. Yunnan Nationalities Village also lies near the lake, where you can appreciate the architecture and folk customs of 26 of China's ethnic groups.
 

Marvel at the Stone Forest

The Stone Forest, located in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County of Kunming, is about 2 hours' drive from the airport. Here you can see many karst limestone formations created by nature, resembling caves, animals, and giant columns. Direct tourist buses between Changshui Airport and the scenic area are available, making it easy to arrange a day trip.
 

Take a photography tour to Dongchuan Red Land

Unless your flight schedule is tight, it's a great idea to take a two-day visit to the Dongchuan Red Land. Here swathes of bright red soil contrast with the colors of seasonal crops and plants and is often compared to an artist's palette overturned by God. Shutterbugs should not miss the chance to take a stopover tour in Dongchuan Red Land, especially when your visit is during late April to early May, late August to early September, or mid-November to December when the colors are most vibrant.

Read More: Top 10 Things to Do in Kunming

- Last updated on Dec. 18, 2024 by Gabby Li -