Beijing layover tour: visa-free transit and tips

Whether a Beijing layover tour is possible depends on China’s visa-free transit and on getting back to the airport in time. Both are covered below.

Can you leave the airport on a Beijing layover?

China’s visa-free transit policy lets travellers from eligible countries enter without a visa when they are passing through to another destination:

• How long: up to 240 hours (10 days).
• What you need: a valid passport and an onward ticket to a third country or region, with a confirmed date and seat.
• Who can use it: Only citizens of eligible countries can use it, and the list changes, so check the current list on the National Immigration Administration website.
• Where: ports of entry in Beijing apply the policy.
• What you can’t do: work, study and news reporting still need a visa.

The rules and the list of eligible countries change. If you are not sure you qualify, check the current rules with the National Immigration Administration or your airline before you travel. Staying longer than a layover? See Beijing tours and our Beijing itinerary.

Not just passing through? Many nationalities can stay longer without a visa: see China 30-day visa-free entry.

What does a Beijing layover tour cover?

A layover tour picks you up at the airport, takes you to one or more sights, and brings you back in time for your next flight. Depending on the length of your layover, tours may cover the city centre (for example the Forbidden City area) or the Great Wall. Check the exact itinerary in each listing.

What to check before booking

1. Your real free time. Take your layover length and subtract the time for border formalities on arrival and check-in and security for your next flight. The tour must fit in what is left, with a safety margin.
2. Your airport. Beijing has two international airports, Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing. Check that the tour picks up at yours, and that your next flight leaves from the same one.
3. Luggage. Ask your airline whether your bags are checked through to your final destination. If not, check whether the tour helps you store them.
4. What’s included: transport, entrance tickets, guide, meals.
5. Delays and cancellation: what happens if your incoming flight is late.
6. Closing days: for example the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, except Mondays that are public holidays.

Before you plan a stop, check the China 30-day visa-free entry rules. With a full day, compare the plans in one day in Beijing.

Layover tours from our booking partners

Planning one? See what 459 travellers say about their Beijing layover tours: how long a layover they had and how long immigration took.