China Transit Visa Exemptions for Foreign Visitors

A transit visa exemption allows foreign travelers to stay in China for a specified period without a visa, as long as they meet specific requirements.

These exemptions are designed to encourage trade and tourism and make visits to China more convenient.

Visitors transiting through China may be eligible for various transit visa exemption options that allow them to stay visa-free in China for periods of 24, 72, or 144 hours.

The eligibility criteria for each type of transit visa exemption differs, however a common stipulation is that travelers must be in transit between two different countries with onward travel scheduled to occur within the specified 24, 72, or 144-hour timeframe.

To obtain a transit visa exemption the traveler is advised to thoroughly review the eligibility requirements and confirm their qualifications prior to departure. Once confirmed, travelers must inform their airline of their intention to utilize a transit visa exemption. The airline will coordinate with Chinese immigration authorities who will assess the eligibility and grant the exemption upon verification of the required conditions.

In most cases the transit visa exemption limits travelers to the province of their initial entry. Exceptions include travelers entering via Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, who are permitted to travel within Shanghai, Zhejiang Province, and Jiangsu Province as well as those entering through Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Qinhuangdao, who may travel within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

In alignment with China’s commitment to fostering trade and cultural exchanges the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has undergone multiple expansions. Currently foreign nationals from 54 designated countries can benefit from this policy granting access to and facilitating travel within over 30 cities across mainland China.

24-Hour Transit Visa Exemption in China

Foreign travelers transiting through China on their way to a third-country destination may qualify for the 24-hour Transit Visa Exemption. This exemption is accessible to most foreign nationals, except in cases of special restrictions, and is available at the majority of China’s ports of entry.

To be eligible, travelers are required to present a confirmed connecting ticket to their onward destination. During their 24-hour transit period, they are restricted to the city of their arrival and must depart China within the stipulated 24-hour timeframe.

72-Hour Transit Visa Exemption in China

The 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption allows foreign travelers transiting through China to remain visa-free for up to 72 hours while en route to a third-country destination. This exemption is exclusively available to citizens of designated countries and is applicable at select ports of entry within China.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption, travelers must:

1. Possess a valid passport issued by one of the 54 eligible countries, which include:
   • 25 Schengen countries in Europe: 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 additional European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
   • Six countries in the Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the United States.
   • Two Oceanic countries: Australia and New Zealand.
   • Six Asian countries: Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
2. Provide proof of onward travel, such as a confirmed flight or transportation ticket to a third-country destination, scheduled within the 72-hour period.

Designated Ports of Entry

Currently, the 72-hour visa exemption is offered at only four specific ports of entry, as many locations have transitioned to the expanded 144-hour transit visa exemption. These ports are:

• Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
• Beihai Port (Passenger Terminal)
• Harbin Taiping International Airport
• Changsha Huanghua International Airport

Key Conditions

• Travelers utilizing this exemption must remain within the city of entry for the duration of their stay.
• Departure from China must occur within 72 hours of arrival.

This policy provides eligible travelers with an opportunity to explore specific regions of China during their transit, enhancing the convenience of international travel while promoting cultural and economic exchanges.

144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption in China

The 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption offers eligible foreign travelers the opportunity to stay in China visa-free for up to six days while transiting to a third-country destination. This policy is designed to promote international travel convenience and foster tourism within China.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption, travelers must:

1. Hold a valid passport from one of the 54 eligible countries, which are the same as those covered under the 72-hour visa exemption policy.
2. Provide proof of onward travel to a third country, such as a confirmed airline or transportation ticket.
3. Arrive at and depart from one of the 35 designated ports authorized for 144-hour visa-free transit.

Application and Conditions

Upon arrival at an eligible port of entry, qualified travelers can apply for a six-day entry permit, allowing them to explore specific regions of China. Key conditions include:

• Travelers may only remain within the permitted regions associated with their entry port.
• Departure from China must occur within 144 hours (six days) of arrival.
• Travelers must exit the country through designated ports; failure to comply with these conditions may result in penalties.

This policy is ideal for individuals seeking a brief stopover to explore China’s rich cultural and economic hubs without the need for a traditional visa.

Designated Ports and Applicable Cities

The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is available at 35 designated ports of entry across multiple cities. Originally launched in 2016 for the Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region (Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing), it has since expanded to include over 20 cities across China.

Applicable Cities:

• Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region: Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao
• Yangtze River Delta Region: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Nanjing, Lianyungang
• Pearl River Delta Region: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang
• Other Key Cities:
  • Shenyang, Dalian (Liaoning Province)
  • Qingdao (Shandong Province)
  • Zhengzhou (Henan Province)
  • Chongqing
  • Kunming, Lijiang, Xishuangbanna (Yunnan Province)
  • Chengdu (Sichuan Province)
  • Xi’an (Shaanxi Province)
  • Xiamen (Fujian Province)
  • Wuhan (Hubei Province)

Pre-Departure Preparation

Travelers intending to use the 144-hour visa exemption are strongly encouraged to:

• Confirm eligibility with the relevant port of entry or their local Chinese embassy/consulate prior to departure.
• Verify that their itinerary complies with the requirements of the visa exemption, including staying within designated regions and exiting through approved ports.

Additionally, China’s State Council offers an online tool to assist travelers in determining their eligibility based on nationality and port of entry.

Conclusion

The 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption exemplifies China’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and facilitating cultural exchange through streamlined travel policies. This exemption enables eligible visitors to experience China’s diverse regions while contributing to global tourism growth.