Guide to the “144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy”

The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy is a measure implemented by the Chinese government to facilitate the entry and exit of foreigners and promote international exchanges and cooperation. Under this policy, citizens from specified countries, while transiting through China, may stay in designated cities for up to 144 hours without a visa, provided they hold valid international travel documents and a connecting ticket with a confirmed date and seat to a third country (or region) within the 144-hour period. (The stay period is calculated from 00:00 the day after entry until 24:00 on the sixth day.) During this time, they can engage in short-term activities such as tourism and temporary business visits.

Specifically, this policy applies to citizens of 54 countries, including but not limited to Schengen Visa Agreement countries in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others. The cities where the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy is implemented include major metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, and a total of 20 cities (see the attachment for the detailed list).

Foreigners applying for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit need to meet the following conditions:

1. Be citizens of countries eligible for the 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy.
2. Hold valid international travel documents (with a validity period of no less than 3 months) that can prove their nationality and identity, and meet the entry requirements for the third country or region.
3. Possess a confirmed interline ticket (connecting ticket) or relevant proof for travel to a third country or region within 72/144 hours, with specified dates and seats.
4. The landing card for foreigners in transit that is filled out upon arrival in China.

Furthermore, according to regulations, foreigners must abide by Chinese laws during their visa-free transit stay and must not exceed the permitted stay area or time limit. If, for special reasons, they are unable to depart within 144 hours, they should apply to the exit-entry administration department of the public security organ for the corresponding stay permit.

Countries Eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Policy

As of December 17, 2023, there are a total of 54 countries that are eligible for China's 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy, specifically including:

(I) Europe (40 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, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.

(II) Americas (six Countries): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.

(III) Oceania (two Countries): Australia, New Zealand.

(IV) Asia (six Countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

Chinese Cities Implementing the Visa-Free Transit Policy

Currently, 41 exit-entry ports in 19 provinces,autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government of China have implemented the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from 54 countries.

The Chinese cities implementing the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy include:

Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming.

Additionally, three cities—Changsha, Harbin, and Guilin—implement a 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy.

Starting from July 17, 2024, China has implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from all other countries around the world at all its accessible exit-entry ports.

For more information:

http://app.www.gov.cn/govdata/gov/202407/17/517379/article.html

https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-resumes-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-foreigners-who-can-apply/