China Expands 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Western Travellers
China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows travellers from many Western countries to stay in China for up to six days without requiring a visa. This policy is available to citizens from 54 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and many European nations, provided they are transiting through China to a third country.
(Western visitors experiencing the Shaolin Kungfu at Shaolin temple in Henan)
Visitors must enter through specified cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou and are required to show a confirmed ticket for onward travel to a third country within 144 hours. The goal of the policy is to make short visits easier for transit passengers while boosting tourism in the country. The visa-free period starts from midnight the day after arrival, and travellers need to ensure they remain within the designated cities or provinces until their departure.
It’s a great way to explore China on a layover without needing to go through the lengthy visa process. Six days is perfect for a short trip to cities like Beijing or Shanghai. – Charlotte from UK.
Eligible Countries
Citizens from 54 countries are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit. Many Western nations included in this list are:
European Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.
American Countries:
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
The Oceanian Countries:
Asian Countries:
Note: This list is subject to change, so it’s essential to verify your eligibility based on the most current regulations.
(The Great Wall – one of the most iconic landmarks in the world)
Purpose and Duration
Designated Ports of Entry and Exit
To utilize the 144-hour visa-free transit, travellers must enter and exit China through specific ports. These ports are categorized by region:
Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province:
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN)
Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW)
Beijing West Railway Station
Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang Provinces:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
- Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB)
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)
- Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
- Xiamen Port International Cruise Terminal
Guangdong Province:
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
- Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Homeport
- Guangzhou Port
Sichuan Province:
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
- Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
- Cities: Chengdu, Leshan, Deyang, Suining, Meishan, Ya’an, Ziyang, Neijiang, Zigong, Luzhou, Yibin
Yunnan Province:
- Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG)
- Mohan Railway Station (China-Laos border)
- Cities: Kunming, Lijiang, Xishuangbanna, Yuxi, Pu’er, Chuxiong, Dali, Honghe, Wenshan
Other Regions:
Cities:
Xi’an, Wuhan, Xiamen, Chongqing, Zhengzhou, Qingdao, Shenyang, Dalian, Xiamen
Airports:
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
- Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH),
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (ZHCC)
- Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (ZSQD)
- Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (ZYTX)
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (ZYTL)
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (ZSAM)
(Camel Riding Experience at the Sing Sand Dune in Dunhuang, China)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit, travellers must:
- Hold a valid international travel document with at least 3 months’ validity from one of the eligible countries, and meet entry requirements for a third country or region.
- Have a Confirmed Onward Ticket to a third country within the 144-hour period.
- Enter and Exit Through Designated Ports as listed above.
- Not Intend to Reside Permanently in China during the transit period.
- Meet Health and Security Requirements, including not having any disqualifying criminal records or health issues.
- No visa rejections or illegal entry, residence, or employment records within the past 5 years.
Application Process
At the Port of Entry:
- Present your passport.
- Show your confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
- Provide any additional documentation if requested by immigration authorities.
Upon Arrival:
- Immigration officers will grant a temporary entry permit valid for 144 hours.
- The 144-hour period begins at 00:00 on the day following your arrival.
(The West Lake, UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Restrictions and Conditions
(Western visitors experiencing the Hot-pot and Face-changing of Sichuan Opera)
Common Reasons for Denial
Benefits of the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
(Terra-Cotta Warriors in Xi’an)
Recent Updates (As of 2024)
Important Considerations
(Longmen Grottoes in Henan)
Popular Tours
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