Yes. For the purpose of transit visa exemption, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are considered "third regions."

As long as your itinerary is Country A → Mainland China → Country C (or HK/Macau/Taiwan), it meets the requirements:

The stay duration starts from 00:00 (midnight) on the day following your entry.

Although the policy is named "240-hour," you actually get 10 days + the remaining time on your arrival day.

The main differences are permission to leave the airport and eligibility:

Strictly No. This policy is for tourism, business visits, or family reunions only. Employment or long-term study requires a specific visa (Z or X visa) obtained in advance.

Yes (New Policy). Under the upgraded 240-hour policy, you can travel freely across provincial boundaries within the 24 designated provinces/municipalities.

Note: Your itinerary must be completed within 10 days (240 hours).

Accommodation registration must be completed within 24 hours of entry:

• For hotel stays, check-in registration must be completed in accordance with hotel industry regulations
• For stays at other residences, the visitor or the host must report to the local police station within 24 hours of check-in to complete temporary accommodation registration

The following documents are required for entry:

• Valid Passport: At least 3 months validity.
• Confirmed Onward Ticket: Flight/ship ticket to a third country with a confirmed date and seat.
• Third Country Visa: If required for your final destination.
• Arrival Card: The blue form provided upon arrival.

"Visa-free transit" is the policy name; the "Temporary Entry Permit" is the actual sticker you get in your passport.

You do not get a visa; you get a permit authorizing your temporary stay.

No. This is the most common mistake.

Your ticket must show you are moving on to a third country/region. A simple round trip does not qualify as transit.

Generally No. If you are not leaving the airport and your bags are checked through, you stay in the "International Transfer" area and do not need to pass through immigration or apply for this permit.

Strictly No. You must have your confirmed onward ticket before you board your flight to China. The airline will deny boarding if you cannot prove you have a flight out within the 240-hour window.

Yes. There is no fee for the "Temporary Entry Permit."

No. Staying past midnight of the 10th day constitutes an overstay, which can lead to fines and future entry bans.

Ensure your flight departs (or you pass immigration) before the deadline.

If your country has a mutual 30-day visa-free agreement with China (like Singapore or Thailand), you simply enter visa-free for 30 days. You do not need to use the transit policy, and you don't need an onward ticket to a third country (a return ticket is fine).