A current guide to visa-free and transit entry for Chengdu in 2026, including the 30-day scheme, 240-hour transit, passport rules, and what to verify before booking.
The two policies that matter
Eligible passport holders can currently enter China without a visa for up to 30 days under the unilateral visa-free scheme, which has been extended through December 31, 2026. Separately, Chengdu Tianfu is a designated port for the 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy. The transit rule requires a route from country A through China to country B or region C, and the permitted travel area is limited. These are different policies with different conditions.
Do not assume your nationality is covered
The list of eligible countries changes and is not identical across the 30-day and 240-hour schemes. Check the National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese embassy for the current list before booking. Also confirm passport validity, onward travel, accommodation details, and any health requirements. Immigration officers can ask for proof of your plans, and a policy existing on paper does not guarantee entry if your documents are incomplete.
How the 240-hour transit works
You need to arrive from one country or region and depart to a different one; returning to the same country you came from generally does not qualify. You must use an eligible port and stay within the permitted area. As of 2026 there are 57 eligible countries and 65 eligible ports, but these numbers can change. Chengdu is included, and the permitted region covers much of Sichuan and nearby provinces, not everywhere in China. Tibet and Xinjiang are not part of the permitted transit area.
What to prepare at the border
Carry a printed or offline copy of your onward ticket, hotel address, and travel insurance. Have your passport details consistent across bookings. If you are using the visa-free scheme, be ready to explain your itinerary and show you will leave within the allowed period. Do not overstay or work on a tourist entry. If your plans are complex, a visa may still be the safer route even when visa-free entry is technically available.
Book with a buffer
Policies have been extended and adjusted multiple times since 2023. Treat any blog, including this one, as a starting point rather than the final authority. Check official sources close to your travel date, and avoid non-refundable flights before you are confident about your eligibility. If you are transiting to a third country, make sure the routing meets the A-to-B rule rather than assuming any multi-city ticket works.
Questions travelers ask about this
Can I visit Chengdu without a visa in 2026?
Many passport holders can enter for up to 30 days under the current visa-free scheme, but eligibility depends on nationality and the policy's current status. Verify with official sources before booking.
Does Chengdu participate in 240-hour transit?
Yes. Chengdu Tianfu is a designated port, but you must travel from one country to a different one and stay within the permitted region.