China has expanded the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows people from certain countries to enjoy six days of travel to select areas of the country without applying for a visa beforehand, to cover 54 countries and 37 ports. Zhengzhou in Henan Province and eight more cities in Yunnan Province can benefit from this policy as of July 15, 2024. Amid China’s continuous efforts to promote people-to-people exchange, we explain who is eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit and where in China you can travel on this special entry permit.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has extended China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports as of July 15, 2024. This expansion includes the Zhengzhou aviation port in Henan, which now allows a stay within the Henan Province. Additionally, the scope of Yunnan Province’s policy has been broadened to include eight additional cities (prefecture-level) such as Lijiang, Yuxi, Pu’er, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, and Wenshan, beyond just Kunming. Furthermore, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, and Mohan Railway Port have been added to the list of ports where the 144-hour visa-free transit policy is applicable.
It is crucial to remember that to qualify for visa-free transit, you must be traveling to a third country after departing from China. Entering China under the visa-free transit policy without continuing your journey to a third country will be considered illegal entry. In this article, we will explain how the 144-hour visa-free transit policy operates and address some common queries.
In this article, we explain how this 144-hour visa-free transit policy works and summarize some frequently asked questions.
What is the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
The 144-hour visa-free transit is a visa exemption policy offered by China to eligible foreigners from selected countries. Under this policy, foreign travelers can enjoy a six-day stay in certain Chinese cities without a visa, provided they come from 54 eligible countries, enter and exit China from eligible ports, stay within the allowed cities and regions, and meet other specific requirements.
Which Countries’ Citizens Are Eligible for the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
To qualify for this visa exemption, the foreign national must hold a valid passport from one of the 54 countries, which include:
- 25 countries in the Europe Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
- 15 other European countries: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus.
- Six countries in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.
- Two countries in Oceaniaj: Australia and New Zealand.
- Six countries in Asia: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
What Are the Requirements for the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
According to the requirements of China’s National Immigration Authority (NIA), applicants for 144-hour visa-free transit must:
- Have a valid passport or another international travel document valid for more than three months from the arrival date;
- Hold an interline ticket (connecting ticket) with a confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 144 hours; and
- Complete the landing card for foreigners in transit upon arrival in China.
You may also be required to answer some questions at immigration control upon arrival. It is advisable to check with the airline company about their boarding policy, as there have been instances where boarding was declined due to unfamiliarity with such policies.
Which Cities Can You Travel to During the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit?
The 144-hour visa-free transit policy does not allow travel to any city in China. The permitted travel areas depend on your exact port of entry. The policy, initially introduced in 2016 to three cities in East China’s Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang area, has now expanded to 37 ports. The eligible cities, corresponding entry ports, and scope of permitted travel areas are detailed in the provided table.
| Scope of Travel Under 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit | |||
| City | Entry ports | Scope of permitted travel | Exit ports |
| Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport Beijing Daxing International AirportBeijing West Railway Station | Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, and Hebei Province | Any port applicable to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. |
| Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport Tianjin International Cruise Home Port | ||
| Shijiazhuang (Hebei Province) | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport | ||
| Qinhuangdao (Hebei Province) | Port of Qinhuangdao (Passenger transport) | ||
| Shanghai | Shanghai Pudong International Airport Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Shanghai Railway Port (Shanghai Train Station）Shanghai Port (Passenger transport, including Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal） | Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai Municipality | Any port applicable to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy within the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region. |
| Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province) | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport | ||
| Ningbo (Zhejiang Province) | Ningbo Lishe International Airport | ||
| Wenzhou (Zhejiang Province) | Wenzhou Port （Passenger transport） | ||
| Zhoushan (Zhejiang Province) | Zhoushan Port （Passenger transport） | ||
| Nanjing (Jiangsu Province) | Nanjing Lukou International Airport | ||
| Lianyungang （Jiangsu Province） | Liangyungang Port （Passenger transport） | ||
| Guangzhou (Guangdong Province) | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Nansha Port (Passenger transport) | Guangdong Province | Any of the 36 entry/exit ports in Guangdong Province (land, sea, and air) |
| Shenzhen (Guangdong Province ) | Shenzhen Baoan International Airport Shekou Port (Passenger transport) | ||
| Jieyang (Guangdong Province) | Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport | ||
| Shenyang (Liaoning Province) | Shenyang Taoxian International Airport | Liaoning Province | Any port applicable to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy within Liaoning |
Dalian (Liaoning Province) | Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport | ||
| Dalian Port (Passenger transport) | |||
| Qingdao (Shandong Province) | Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport Qingdao Port (Qingdao International Cruise Home Port) | Shandong Province | Any port applicable to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy within Shandong |
| Zhengzhou (Henan Province) | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport | Henan Province | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | Chongqing Municipality | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport |
| Kunming (Yunnan Province) | Kunming Changshui International Airport | 9 cities in Yuannan: Kunming, Lijiang, Yuxi, Pu’er, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, and Wenshan. | Any port applicable to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy within Yunnan |
| Lijiang (Yunnan Province) | Lijiang Sanyi International Airport | ||
| Xishuangbanna (Yunnan Province) | Mohan Railway Port | ||
| Chengdu (Sichuan Province) | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | 11 cities in Sichuan: Chengdu, Leshan, Deyang, Suining, Meishan, Ya’an, Ziyang, Neijiang, Zigong, Luzhou, and Yibin | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport |
| Xi’an (Shaanxi Province) | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport | 2 cities in Shaanxi: Xi’an and Xiangyang | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport |
| Xiamen (Fujian Province) | Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Xiamen Port (Passenger transport, including Xiamen Wutong Passenger Terminal and Xiamen International Cruise Center Port) | Xiamen city only | Any port applicable to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy within Xiamen |
| Wuhan (Hubei Province) | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport | Wuhan city only | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport |
It’s crucial to remember that, with few exceptions—notably Guangdong Province—you must leave China through one of the ports that authorized your entry. Typically, this means departing from the same port through which you arrived.
When planning your journey, it’s essential to carefully consider the designated entry and exit points, which may include airports, railway stations, or cruise ports. Ensure that your travel plans remain within the specified regions to avoid inadvertently entering a restricted area or exiting the country through an unauthorized port, which could lead to legal complications.
Under What Circumstances Can the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Be Denied?
Immigration officers may refuse to issue a temporary entry permit in various circumstances, including if the traveler is not allowed to enter China under Chinese laws or administrative regulations, if the passport or travel document is expiring in less than three months, or if there are records of illegal entry, residence, or work in China in the past five years.
Things to Note Before Your 144-hour Visa-Free Stay in China
During your stay, it is imperative to comply with all Chinese laws and regulations, ensuring that you do not exceed the designated travel area or the allowed duration of your transit.
Should you choose to stay in a hotel, the establishment will handle the registration of your stay with the local police using your passport or another recognized international travel document. You will not need to personally visit the police station; the hotel will simply make a copy of your passport upon check-in. It’s important to note that not all hotels are equipped to accommodate foreign guests due to these registration requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm with the hotel in advance that they can host you.
If you opt to stay elsewhere, such as at a friend or family member’s residence, both you and your host are required to register your stay at the local public security bureau—typically a police station or a foreigner service station—within 24 hours of your arrival. You will need to present your passport, along with your host’s housing contract (as proof of address) and identification card. Some cities, like Shanghai, offer online registration options. While many travelers may overlook this step due to its inconvenience, failing to register could lead to complications, especially during interactions with law enforcement.
In the unlikely event that you need to extend your stay beyond the 144 hours, you must seek a corresponding stay permit from the immigration department at the local public security bureau.
Failure to adhere to these regulations—such as leaving the permitted area, overstaying your entry permit, departing from an unauthorized exit port, or neglecting to register your accommodation—could result in penalties from immigration authorities or border forces.
China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy offers a convenient opportunity for short layovers en route to a third country. With the expanded range of entry ports, you can now explore various regions of the country by selecting an entry point that aligns with your travel interests, all without the need to apply for a tourist visa.
FAQs
Q1: How is the 144-hour visa-free transit period calculated?
A: Upon receiving a temporary entry permit from the border inspection authority, the 144-hour visa-free stay period commences at 00:00 on the day following entry. Travelers are then allowed to remain within the specified administrative areas for up to 144 hours without a visa.
Q2: How can foreigners who meet the conditions apply for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy?
A: Eligible foreigners should present their valid entry and exit documents, along with a confirmed connecting ticket to a third country (or region) within 144 hours, to the transportation vehicle staff at check-in. The transportation vehicle’s responsible party will notify the border inspection prior to arrival at the port. Upon verification, the border inspection will process the 144-hour visa-free transit procedures.
Q3: If I haven’t purchased a departure ticket when entering China and intend to buy one to a third country within 144 hours after entry, can I apply for the 144-hour visa-free transit?
A: No. The regulations stipulate that foreigners must already possess a connecting ticket with a confirmed date and seat to qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit. This means the departure ticket must be purchased before entering China.
Q4: If I arrive in a Chinese city that offers the 144-hour visa-free transit policy from a specific country (or region) and have a confirmed return ticket to my country (or region) within 144 hours, can I apply for this policy?
A: No. The policy is designed for foreigners transiting to a third country or region, meaning the departure and destination countries must differ.
Q5: What should foreigners keep in mind when applying for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy?
A: The border inspection authority will deny a temporary entry permit to those with passports or travel documents valid for less than three months, those with a visa refusal stamp from Chinese authorities, or those with records of illegal entry, residence, or employment within the past five years.
During the visa-free transit, foreigners must adhere to Chinese laws and regulations, ensuring they do not exceed the permitted stay area or duration. Hotel stays require the hotel to register the accommodation, while other residences necessitate registration with the local police station or foreigner service station within 24 hours.
Failure to comply with these regulations—such as exceeding the stay area or duration, departing from an unauthorized port, or neglecting accommodation registration—may result in penalties from the border inspection authority or local public security authority.
Q6: What should foreigners do if they cannot depart within 144 hours due to exceptional circumstances after entering China with the 144-hour visa-free transit?
A: In cases of force majeure or other exceptional reasons requiring an extended stay beyond 144 hours, foreigners should apply for the appropriate stay permit from the public security authority’s exit and entry administration department in accordance with the regulations.
For more information, you can refer to:
1.Q&A on Visa-Free Transit Policy for Foreigners_Express_北京市人民政府外事办公室 (beijing.gov.cn)
2.Policy Interpretation_National Immigration administration (nia.gov.cn)
