144-hour Visa-free Transit Policy in China

Introduction to the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy in China allows travelers from certain eligible countries to stay in specific cities for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa. This policy facilitates international passengers who are transiting through China and have onward travel to a third country. It is an extension of the earlier 72-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy, providing more flexibility for passengers on longer layovers.

The 144-hour policy enables passengers to explore the city during their layover while on their way to a different destination, without needing to apply for a full visa.

Cities Eligible for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy is implemented in several major cities across China, and the list of eligible cities continues to grow. As of now, the following cities are included:

  • Beijing (北京)
  • Shanghai (上海)
  • Guangzhou (广州)
  • Chengdu (成都)
  • Xi’an (西安)
  • Shenzhen (深圳)
  • Qingdao (青岛)
  • Hangzhou (杭州)
  • Nanjing (南京)
  • Kunming (昆明)

In these cities, international travelers can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 144 hours if they meet the eligibility criteria and have a confirmed onward flight to a third country.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit, travelers must meet the following conditions:

  1. Nationality: Travelers must be citizens of one of the eligible countries (such as the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others).
  2. Transit Requirements: The traveler must be passing through China on their way to a third country, with a confirmed onward ticket for travel out of China within 144 hours.
  3. Airport and City: The traveler must arrive in one of the designated cities listed under the policy and must remain within the transit city or region for the duration of their stay. Travel to other parts of China is not allowed under this policy.
  4. Travel Documentation: The traveler must have a valid passport and meet other travel document requirements. Additionally, they must not have overstayed any previous visits to China.

How to Apply for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Travelers wishing to take advantage of the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit must complete the following steps upon arrival at a qualifying airport:

  1. Arrival at the Airport: Upon arrival at a designated airport, passengers should go to the immigration counter where they will submit their passport and onward travel documents.
  2. Provide Transit Information: Travelers will need to show proof of their onward flight to a third country, departing within 144 hours.
  3. Approval: Immigration officials will process the application and grant the 144-hour visa-free stay if the traveler meets all criteria.
  4. Stay Within Designated Region: Once approved, travelers can stay in the city or region specified by the visa-free policy but must leave China within the 144-hour period. Any deviation from the specified region may require a full visa.

What You Can Do During the 144-Hour Stay

With the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit, travelers can explore the city and its surroundings. This policy gives travelers the opportunity to visit famous attractions, experience local culture, and enjoy short stays in Chinese cities. For instance:

  • In Beijing, visitors can tour iconic sites like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.
  • In Shanghai, travelers can visit the Bund, Shanghai Tower, and enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere.
  • In Xi’an, travelers can see the Terracotta Army and other ancient sites.

However, it’s important to note that the visa-free stay is limited to the designated city or region, and travelers cannot leave the designated area without applying for a formal visa.

Advantages of the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy offers several advantages to international travelers:

  1. Increased Stay Duration: Unlike the previous 72-hour policy, travelers can now stay up to 6 days in China, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
  2. No Visa Required: Travelers can visit China without the hassle of applying for a traditional visa, simplifying their travel plans.
  3. Tourism and Business: The policy allows travelers to explore China’s culture, history, and attractions during their transit or use the time for business meetings before continuing on their journey.
  4. Flexible Travel Plans: With a longer visa-free stay, travelers can plan layovers that are more convenient and enjoyable, especially for those with longer stopovers.

Limitations and Restrictions

Although the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit offers great flexibility, there are some important limitations:

  • Restricted to Certain Cities: Travelers must enter China via one of the approved airports in the eligible cities and stay within that city or designated region.
  • No Additional Regions: The 144-hour stay is strictly limited to the specified transit area. Travel to other parts of China is not permitted unless the traveler applies for a separate visa.
  • Onward Travel: Travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket departing China within 144 hours. Any delay or change in the onward travel plans might lead to complications with immigration.

How the Policy Has Evolved

The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy is an extension of the previous 72-hour policy, which was introduced in 2013. Initially, the policy was limited to a few cities, but with increasing international demand, it has been expanded to more cities over the years. The extension to 144 hours (6 days) offers much more flexibility and is part of China’s broader efforts to improve its transit and tourism infrastructure.

Additionally, the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy contributes to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, encouraging more travelers to pass through the country and boosting the local economy by increasing the number of international visitors.

The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy is a valuable option for international travelers who are passing through China en route to a third country. With up to 6 days to explore designated cities without a visa, it provides ample time for both sightseeing and business activities. The policy simplifies travel for tourists and enhances China’s position as a major transit hub in international air travel.

By expanding the policy and making it available in more cities, China continues to welcome international visitors, supporting both tourism and global business connections.