Xian 240 Hour Visa Free Transit Guide 2025/2026
Normally, to make a trip to Xian, China, foreign travelers have to apply for and obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa ( L Visa) from Chinese Embassy or consulate abroad. However, certain international travelers can enjoy visa-free tour in Xian if meeting related requirements.
30 Days Visa Free - 25 Countries Mutual Exemption of Visa with China
Citizens of below countries holding a valid ordinary passport are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, or transit in the territory of the other contracting party, with a single stay not exceeding 30 days and a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.
Eligible countries include Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.
30 Days Visa Free - 38 Eligible Countries
China has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for 38 eligible countries, including several European nations — Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, Brunei, and Japan are included.
Ordinary passport holders of the above-mentioned countries can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 30 days until December 31, 2025. Read more »
240-Hour Transit Visa Free in Xian
Since December, 2024, Xian has launched 240-Hour Transit Visa Free. That means, once qualified, transit tourists may enjoy a visa-free Xian tour for up to 240 hours (10 days), realize dream tour to Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter and other landmarks in Xian. Happen to transit China through Xian? Read the article carefully to check the requirements, application guide and tips you need to follow for a visa-free layover in Xian.
Great News: According to current 240-Hour Visa-free Transit, you can travel Xian with many other popular destinations freely such as Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, etc.
Table of Page Contents
What is China 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy?
Under the policy, foreigners holding valid passport or international travel document of certain 54 countries (including US, UK, Canada...), and connecting flight tickets with confirmed seat and departure date to a third country (region) can apply transit visa exemption at Xian Airport and stay in Xian and other permitted provinces and cities no more than 240 hours. Read China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit to get more valid cities and requirements!
Only foreign tourists meeting all the related requirements, he or she is allowed to apply at Xian Xianyang International Airportupon arrival and enjoy this privilege. Below are essential conditions:
● Come from one of the appointed 54 foreign countries
If your nationality is not on the list, then you should proceed regular application, prepare paper documents, visa fees and submit at authorized institutes. Visit China Visa Application Guide to start the steps.
● Hold passport or international travel document with a validity of at least 3 months
Your free entry application will be refused, if your passport is valid less than 3 months, or have visa-rejected stamp before.
Tips: You are NOT allowed to apply for 240 Hour Transit Visa-Free if you have illegal entry, stay and employment within 5 years, or violated accommodation registration causing serious cases within 2 years.
● Hold connecting flight to a third country (region) with confirmed departing date and seat
The policy is specially carried out for facilitating the short-term layover of international transit passengers. So make sure you already book air tickets leaving China within 10 days. The immigration officers will check the flight ticket and your passport, when you submitting application (for temporary entry) at the airport. E-ticket and paper ticket are both ok.
Special Tips:
1.About Travel Route: The 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy is only applicable to transit travel routes, like Country (Region) A - Xian and other permitted regions in China - Country (Region) B . So, the place you departed need to be different from the following destination after China.
Examples: UK --> Xian --> Chengdu --> Singapore; US --> Xian --> Beijing --> Hong Kong.
2.About Stay Area: Once successfully entered, you can travel not only in Xian, but also many places outside Xian, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai, etc.
Most attractions are located in Xian, so you visit: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, etc. All Things to Do in Xian >>
3.About Stay Period: The free visa counts from the 00:00 on the next day after entry. Remember to exit China before the deadline (24:00 on the 10th day).
4.About Purpose of Visiting: Using the TWOV policy, you can enter Xian for sightseeing tour, visiting friends and families, or for business.
Xian 240 Hour Visa Requirements
Xian and Xianyang City Administrative Map (click to enlarge)
Xian Attractions Map
As required by the 240-Hour Visa Free Transit in China, only citizens from designated 50+ overseas can apply the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit. The list covers US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and total 54 countries in 4 continents.
| Continent | Number | Transit Visa Free Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 40 |
Countries under Schengen Visa Agreement (25):
Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Other Countries (15): Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco and Belarus. |
| America | 6 | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the Republic of Chile. |
| Oceania | 2 | Australia, New Zealand. |
| Asia | 6 | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar. |
Note : Japan and Singapore ordinary passport holders can enjoy 30-day visa free for travel, business, visiting friends and families, according to official announcement. Know more about China Visa Policy for Singapore Passport Holders and China Visa Free Policies >>
Step 1 - When boarding, it’s highly advised to tell the flight attendant that you plan to apply 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Xian. Later, they will deliver your request to the immigration authority at the airport. Also, you can directly apply after landing.
Step 2 - After your arrival, you need to fill in the Arrival Card at specialized counter. Then, follow signs to the "Exclusive Channel for 240 Hour Transit Visa Exemption", apply to custom with your passport (or other valid international travel documents), air ticket or other documents showing you have booked an confirmed flight from Xian Xianyang International Airport for a third country (region) departing within 240 hours;
Step 3 - The Exit and Entry Immigration officer will seal a Temporary Entry Permit on your passport to grant your entry to Xian after verification.
Step 4 - Go through customs and immigration formalities, and you can leave Xian Airport, transfer to hotels or attractions in downtown, or other places within the administrative region of Xian and Xianyang. Pay attention to the time, 240 hours is permitted as the maximum duration of stay.
China's Arrival Card for Foreigners
Location: Dizhang Town, Weicheng District, Xianyang City, Shaanxi (陕西省咸阳市渭城区底张镇)
Xian Xianyang International Airport (西安咸阳国际机场, IATA: XIY) is the major airport serving tourists to Xian, and it’ located in Xianyang, northwest Xian, about 40km (1 h & 10 minutes’ drive) to Xian city center. The airport currently executes over 600 flights to more 200 cities worldwide, linking Xian with Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macau and many cities in China, and Kathmandu, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Moscow and other overseas tourist cities. Xian Airport is the only port of entry applying to the 240 Hour Visa-Free Transit in Xian.
Xian Airport Transportation
From Xian Airport to City Center (Downtown): Xian Airport is located far from downtown area (about 40km). You can take taxi, airport shuttle bus or subway to get to downtown. It takes more than 1 hour by car. Besides, airport shuttle bus can take you directly to Bell Tower in the city center, where is the best accommodation area in Xian. Muslim Quarter and Bell & Drum Tower are within a few minutes’ walking distance. Xian Airport to Downtown Transportation >>
From Xian Airport to Terracotta Warriors: The Terracotta Warriors is situated nearly 70km east of Xian Airport, about 1 hour by car. Public transportation is quite time-consuming and complicated. So fast and convenient private transfer arranged by China Discovery is most recommended. Xian Airport to Terracotta Warriors Transfer >>
Useful Links: Xian Airport & Flights / Xian Airport Shuttle Bus / Where to Stay in Xian
Xian Airport Location & Transportation Map
(click to enlarge)
If everything goes smoothly, congratulations, you will be lucky to approved 240 Hour Visa-Free Tour in Xian. Though you’re allowed to visit Xian and Xianyang both, most famous tourist attractions are located in Xian. How to make use of the limited time to see the best highlights? What are the top things to do? Don’t worry, China Discovery offers you most useful trip planning ideas and considerate tour services to ensure your layover is meaningful and unforgettable.
Xian 1 Day Itinerary
One day is kind of rush but also doable for a quick trip. The Terracotta Warriors is the top must-visit attraction. The most popular itinerary is spend half a day in the Terracotta Warriors, visiting Ancient City Wall in the afternoon, viewing Bell & Drum Tower at night and tasting local snacks in Muslim Quarter. For cultural fans who already saw the army, it’s a good idea to visit different mausoleums to know more history and funeral culture of ancient China. How to Plan Xian 1-Day Tour >>
Recommended Xian Day Trips:
Xian 2 Days Itinerary
2 days are enough to see major landmark in Xian, including the Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Bell & Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanyangling Museum. During night, it’s strongly recommended to watch a Tang Dynasty Show to relax and learn some old Chinese story. How to Arrange 2-Day Tour in Xian >>
Related Tour:
Xian 3 Days Itinerary
With more days, except the above mentioned sightseeing, we advise you try some local cultural experiences to make your trip more interesting and unique. You can join in a calligraphy class, learn how to write Chinese, shopping in night market, observe how a clay figurine is made, etc. How to Spend 3 Days in Xian >>
Related Tours:
● 3 Days Xian Cultural & Culinary Tour
Xian 4 to 6 Days Itinerary
Using the free transit policy, travelers can stay in Xian and other permitted provinces and cities as long as 240 hours，which is perfect right for an in-depth discovery. Sightseeing, tasting local food, watching shows, shopping and trying interesting activities. With our travel guide, you can physically see and feel a unique Xian. Also you can contact us to customzie a Xian tourbased on your requirements and scheule. How to Spend 4 Days in Xian >>
Related Tour:
Terracotta Warriors in Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Foreign Tourist Biking on Ancient City Wall
Try Local Snacks in Xian
Tang Dynasty Show: A Song of Everlasting Sorrow
Travel Xian with China Discovery
China Discovery is an experienced, professional and considerate travel companion. Travel with us, you can enjoy well-organized tour services in the most convenient way, including the pick-up, local tour guide and drive, thoughtful accommodation, dining and worry-free transportation between each site and the ticket booking, etc. With our help, you can fully focus on the sightseeing journey using the minimum cost of time and energy. According to your itinerary and hobbies, you may choose from our popular Xian Tours or contact us to tailor-make a special one based on your own interests and travel itinerary.
Xian Tour Guide
- Xian Tourism Board
- Xian Trip Planner
- Xian Tours
- How to Spend 1 Day in Xian
- How to Spend 2 Days in Xian
- How to Spend 3 Days in Xian
- How to Spend 4 Days in Xian
- Top Attractions in Xian
- Featured Activities in Xian
- Xian Transportation
- Xian Weather & Seasons
- Recommended Xian Hotels
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Keep Reading on Getting Around Xian
- Xian Transportation
- Xian Airport and Flights
- Xian Airport to Xian Downtown
- Xian Airport to Terracotta Warriors
- Xian Airport Shuttle Bus
- Xian Train Stations
- Train Stations to Terracotta Warriors
- Xian North to Downtown
- Xian Subway
- Xian Downtown to Terracotta Warriors
Keep Reading on Getting to Xian
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Keep Reading about Xian Maps
Recommended Tours
Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
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