Canadian Passport holders: Hangzhou China transit visa-free guide
Policy summary
Upon arrival, proceed to the '240-Hour Transit Visa-Free' counter to apply for a temporary transit permit. Have your onward ticket, passport, and hotel bookings ready for inspection.
- Policy type:240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy
- Maximum stay:240 hours
- Airport:Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
- Data last synced:2026-05-04
Check your exact itinerary
Confirm onward country, stay length, passport validity, and port eligibility.
Check if I Qualify
Airport to City Overview
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is approximately 30 km from central Hangzhou. Keep the Chinese address for your hotel or destination saved before arrival.
Metro
About 45 to 70 minutes
Operating Hours: Approx. 06:00 - 23:30
Direct express via Line 19 or Line 7; transfer at East Station for city center.
Taxi
About 40 to 90 minutes
Traffic-sensitive near West Lake and rush hour.
Sample 48-Hour Itinerary
A focused 48-hour Hangzhou transit gives you time for one main district and a comfortable airport return.
Reviewed by our editorial team based on on-the-ground experience at the airport and city transit routes.
Day 1: Core highlights
Arrive and travel to the city-center anchor; keep the first stop simple. Visit West Lake and Lingyin Temple with a meal break between them. Use Leifeng Pagoda for a low-pressure evening walk or fallback dinner area.
Day 2: Second-area route and departure buffer
Start with Hefang Street while queues and heat are lower. Add Xixi National Wetland Park only if airport transfer timing remains safe. Return to the airport or station with a conservative buffer for international departure.
Must-Try Local Cuisine: Zhejiang Cuisine (Fresh & Elegant)
FAQ
How long can I stay in Hangzhou?
Under the latest 240H policy, you can stay in the designated area including Hangzhou for up to 240 hours (10 days). The clock starts ticking from 00:00 on the day following your entry.
Can I visit other cities after entering Hangzhou?
Yes, but your travel is restricted to Anywhere in Zhejiang province. You must stay within this designated boundary. Traveling outside this area without a proper visa is strictly prohibited and may result in legal consequences.
Can I enter in Hangzhou and depart from another city?
Yes, provided that your departure port is within the same policy region. For example, you can enter via Guangzhou and depart from Shenzhen, as both are within Guangdong Province.
Where is the 240H transit desk at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)?
Upon arrival, look for the 'Temporary Entry Permit' signs before the regular immigration counters. You must fill out a blue arrival card specifically for transit and wait for approval at the designated desk.
Do I need to show my hotel booking in Hangzhou?
Yes. Immigration officers usually require proof of your accommodation within the Anywhere in Zhejiang province. If you are staying with friends or family, you must register your address at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.
What are the passport requirements for the 240H policy?
You must hold a biometric passport with at least 3 months of validity (6 months recommended) from the date of entry and at least one blank page for the entry permit sticker.
Why can't I buy a round-trip ticket from my home country (e.g., London-Beijing-London)?
The 240H policy is a transit policy. You must follow the 'A-China-B' rule, where A and B are different countries or regions. If you fly back to your starting country directly, you will be denied entry without a visa.
Does Hong Kong or Macau count as a 'Third Country'?
Yes. For the purposes of the 240H transit policy, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are considered 'third regions'. A route like London-Beijing-Hong Kong typically meets the 240H visa-free entry requirements.
Official Data Verification & Resources
For reference only. Verify with official sources before travel. Source: National Immigration Administration
Updated: · China Transit Guide Editorial