China's Expanded Visa-Free Policy: What It Means for Gansu Travel in 2025-2026

In late 2024, China expanded its visa-free transit policy from 144 hours (6 days) to 240 hours (10 days) for eligible travelers. This is the single biggest policy shift affecting Gansu travel planning — 10 days is enough for a proper Hexi Corridor route without rushing.

Additionally, China introduced unilateral visa-free entry for citizens of multiple European and Asian countries throughout 2024-2025. As of mid-2025, passport holders from approximately 30+ countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Malaysia, and others — can enter China for 15-30 days without a visa. This list has been expanding, so check the latest updates before booking.

The 240-hour transit policy now covers Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport as an eligible port. This means travelers transiting through Lanzhou to a third country can spend up to 10 days in Gansu province without a Chinese visa. The previous 144-hour rule was tight for a Hexi Corridor route; 240 hours (10 days) makes a relaxed Lanzhou-Zhangye-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang itinerary comfortably achievable.

Visa-free unilateral entry (15-30 days): Check if your nationality is on the current list. This is the simplest option — no transit requirement, no third-country rule. Just arrive with your passport. The list of eligible countries has been expanding through 2025, and some initial 15-day allowances have been extended to 30 days.

240-hour transit without visa (TWOV): You must arrive from one country and depart to a different country. For example: London → Lanzhou → Bangkok qualifies. London → Lanzhou → London does not. You must hold confirmed onward tickets and stay within Gansu (and connected provinces, depending on the specific policy region).

Standard tourist visa (L visa): Still the fallback if neither option applies. Processing times have improved in many countries, and multi-entry visas are now more common. If you need to apply, start 4-6 weeks before travel.

Important: Policy details change. Always verify your specific nationality's status on the official Chinese embassy website or through your country's foreign travel advisory before committing to flights.

The 240-hour transit rule is a game-changer for Silk Road routes. Ten days is enough for Lanzhou → Zhangye → Jiayuguan → Dunhuang at a comfortable pace, with room for a detour. Under the old 144-hour (6-day) rule, the same route was possible but stressful — you were counting hours, not days.

Visa-free entry for European and select Asian passport holders removes the biggest pre-trip bureaucratic hurdle. For travelers from eligible countries, a Gansu trip is now logistically similar to planning a trip within Southeast Asia: book flights, book hotels, go. No visa application, no embassy visit, no waiting.

The expanded policy also makes Gansu a viable add-on to broader China trips. Land in Beijing visa-free, spend a few days, then hop a domestic flight to Lanzhou and spend a week on the Silk Road before departing from a third country — all without a visa. This kind of flexibility was unimaginable before 2024.

One caveat: Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport's international connections are limited compared to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. If you are using the transit policy, you may need to route through a larger Chinese airport first. Check which ports are covered by the 240-hour policy for your entry point.

Hotel registration: Your hotel registers your stay with the local Public Security Bureau at check-in. This is standard and happens automatically. Keep the registration slip — you may need to show it at departure.

Onward ticket proof: If using visa-free transit, have your confirmed onward flight or train ticket printed or saved offline. Immigration officers will check.

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date. This is standard and strictly enforced.

Travel insurance: Not required for visa-free entry but strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Gansu outside Lanzhou are limited, and evacuation coverage provides peace of mind.

Document copies: Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, insurance, hotel bookings, and itinerary. Having these organized makes border crossings smoother and helps if documents are lost.