What is a transit visa?
A transit visa allows travelers to stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) while transiting to another country/destination. Unlike a regular tourist visa, which requires advance application and approval, the transit visa is visa-on-arrival — meaning travelers do not need to apply in advance. This offers travelers the flexibility to explore key regions of China during their stopover, without the need for a full tourist visa.
What to expect on arrival in China
Upon arrival in China, travelers will apply for a transit visa at the immigration counter. As part of the standard immigration process, the officer may ask a few routine questions, such as:
- The purpose of the visit (it could be for leisure, business, or another reason, as long as you are continuing to a third country)
- The intended length of stay
- The final destination and proof of onward travel (such as a flight ticket on your phone)
- Whether a visa or residence permit is required for entry into the third country (if applicable)
- Where you plan to stay during your transit period (it is helpful to have proof of hotel bookings, even for a short stay)
After the interview, the immigration officer will return the passport with a sticker indicating the port of entry and the type of visa issued. For a 240-hour visa-free transit, this sticker will specify the approved duration of stay.
How WildChina can help you prepare
While we do not offer visa services, our travel designers are here to assist with everything else. We help ensure that travelers have the support they need to navigate the transit visa process smoothly by securing essential bookings, such as flights, hotel accommodations, and transportation, to meet all visa requirements.
VIP arrival service
For travelers with transit visas arriving in China through the major ports of entry — Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou — WildChina can arrange VIP meet-and-greet services at the airport. This service includes personalized fast-track assistance through customs, immigration, and onward travel arrangements. Please note that in Shanghai, the only difference for transit visa travelers is that they will not have access to the fast-track lane at border control with the VIP service. Our team will facilitate a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel. Please reach out to us to confirm the availability and details of this service, to ensure it meets your specific needs.
Additional support
While WildChina does not directly provide visa services, we are happy to connect you with trusted partners who can assist you in obtaining a visa for travel to China.
USA passport holders
For residents of the following U.S. states and territories, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C.:
Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
We recommend Oasis China Visa Services. Use the following links to access an exclusive WildChina client discount: [English link] [简体中文表格]
For residents of all other states and territories, we recommend Visa-n-Beyond.
To receive your exclusive WildChina discount, email joseph.lu@visa-n-beyond.com or call(+1) 516-846-2686 and be sure to mention that you’re a WildChina client!
UK passport holders
We’re thrilled to partner with UK-based travel company VisaToGo to offer one-stop-shop visa services for WildChina clients. The team has years of experience handling visa enquiries within the UK. You only need to fill out a short and easy questionnaire, and a dedicated specialist will handle the rest. WildChina clients can use this link [here] to claim 9% off at checkout.
Indian passport holders
For residents of India applying through the Embassy in Delhi or consulates in Mumbai or Kolkata, we recommend the following trusted visa service providers:
- Ambarglobal provides professional visa processing support and personalized guidance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience across India. For applications handled through Ambarglobal, your dedicated visa agent is Vikash Saraswat (Contact: +91 98187 85533).
- Argosy Travels offers comprehensive visa assistance services, supporting clients throughout the documentation, submission, and follow-up process across India. For applications handled through Argosy Travels, your dedicated visa agent is Arun Tikoo (Contact: +91 98101 69874).
Both the visa agents can be reached via call or WhatsApp.
