144-hour Transit Visa Exemption in China

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy Overview

Currently, 37 designated ports across 18 provinces, including Beijing and Shanghai, have implemented this 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Citizens of 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, holding valid passports or international travel documents and onward tickets to a third country (or region) can transit through China without a visa. Upon approval at the port of entry, travelers can stay within specified regions for up to 72 or 144 hours visa-free. During this period, foreigners can engage in tourism, business, and other short-term activities.

Eligible Countries for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

European Countries (40)
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.

American Countries (6)
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.

Oceanian Countries (2)
Australia, New Zealand.

Asian Countries (6)
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
Note: Those eligible under China’s visa waiver or unilateral visa exemption agreements must adhere to those specific conditions.

Requirements for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Application

1. The applicant must be a citizen of a country eligible for the visa-free transit policy.
2. They must hold a valid international travel document with a validity of at least three months and meet entry requirements for the destination country (or region).
3. They must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (or region) with a departure within 144 hours and provide supporting documents. They should complete the temporary entry card for foreigners and be prepared for inspection by border control.
4. Applicants should not have records of denied visas, illegal entry/exit, residence, or employment in China within the last five years.

Cities Where the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy Applies

Eligible foreigners may apply for 144-hour visa-free transit at border control agencies in 23 Chinese cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, and more.

When Does the 144-Hour Transit Period Start?

Once approved for temporary entry by border control, the visa-free period starts at midnight the following day. For example, if Bob’s temporary entry is approved at 3 PM on July 5, his stay period begins at 12:00 AM on July 6.

Additional Visa-Free Transit Policies in China

In addition to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, China has a 24-hour visa-free transit policy at all open ports for citizens from any country. Travelers with confirmed onward tickets on international flights, ships, or trains can transit through China to a third country or region without a transit visa, provided they stay within 24 hours and do not leave the port or designated area. If they need to leave the designated area, they must apply for a temporary entry permit at border control.
At nine international airports—Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Xiamen Gaoqi, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, Chengdu Tianfu, and Xi’an Xianyang—travelers with onward tickets within 24 hours to a third country or region can transit without requiring border control procedures.

Important Points for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Visitors

1. Foreign visitors must comply with Chinese laws and are prohibited from leaving designated areas or exceeding their allowed stay duration. If staying at a hotel, the hotel will register the guest’s stay. For accommodation outside a hotel, the traveler or host must register with the local police station or foreign service center within 24 hours.
2. Common FAQs:
   • Q: When does the 144-hour visa-free transit period start?
     • A: After issuance of the temporary entry permit, the 144-hour visa-free period begins at midnight the following day.
   • Q: How do eligible foreigners apply for visa-free transit?
     • A: Eligible travelers present valid travel documents and onward tickets to a third country (within 144 hours) to transportation staff, who will notify border control before arrival. Upon verification, border control will process the 144-hour visa-free transit procedure.
   • Q: If I arrive without an onward ticket but plan to buy one after entry, can I apply for 144-hour visa-free transit?
     • A: No. An onward ticket with a confirmed departure within 144 hours is required at the time of entry.
   • Q: If I have a return ticket within 144 hours to my originating country, can I apply for this policy?
     • A: No. The policy is only for transit to a third country or region, so the destination must differ from the departure country.
   • Q: What should foreigners be aware of when applying?
     • A: Border control will deny entry to those with a passport or international travel document with less than three months’ validity, those with denied Chinese visas, or those with records of illegal entry, stay, or work in the past five years.

   Visitors should comply with Chinese laws, remain within designated areas, and register accommodations with local authorities. Those exceeding the stay limit or venturing beyond permitted areas will face penalties from border control or local public security bureaus.