72-hour Visa-free Transit Policy in China
Introduction to the 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
The 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy allows travelers from certain countries to stay in China without a visa for up to 72 hours (3 days) while in transit between two foreign destinations. This policy is designed to facilitate the smooth transit of international travelers passing through Chinese airports and cities. The policy applies to passengers who meet specific eligibility criteria, including having an onward ticket to a third country.
Eligible Cities
Since its introduction in 2013, the 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy has been implemented in several major Chinese cities. The cities that initially adopted this policy include:
- Beijing (北京)
- Shanghai (上海)
- Guangzhou (广州)
- Chengdu (成都)
- Xi’an (西安)
Later, the policy was expanded to include other key cities such as:
- Shenzhen (深圳)
- Qingdao (青岛)
- Hangzhou (杭州)
- Nanjing (南京)
The policy continues to evolve, with more cities being added to the list over time.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit, travelers must meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: Travelers must be from one of the approved countries (such as the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and most European Union countries).
- Transit: The traveler must be en route to a third country (i.e., their final destination) and have a confirmed onward ticket that departs from China within 72 hours.
- Travel Documentation: The traveler must hold valid travel documents (such as a passport), and they must not have previously overstayed or violated Chinese immigration laws.
What Travelers Can Do During the 72-Hour Stay
Travelers benefiting from the 72-hour visa-free transit can use the 72-hour period to explore the city or area of transit, subject to the restrictions of their visa-free status. For example, in Beijing, travelers can visit popular attractions like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.
However, travelers are restricted to the city or area where they are transiting and must stay within the permitted boundaries. The traveler is not allowed to leave the city or region to travel to other areas in China without applying for a visa.
How to Apply for the 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
When arriving at a qualifying airport in China, travelers who meet the conditions for the 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit will need to:
- Present their passport and onward ticket to the immigration authorities at the airport.
- Complete any necessary documentation (forms for the visa-free stay).
- Pass through immigration control and exit the airport.
Note that the 72-hour visa-free stay applies only to air transit. Travelers arriving by other modes of transport, such as trains or buses, are generally not eligible for this policy.
Extension of the Policy
The success of the 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit has led to its expansion in recent years. China has introduced a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy, which allows travelers to stay for six days in specific regions, including Shanghai, Beijing, and several other cities. This extension provides greater flexibility and longer stays for passengers on long layovers or those wishing to explore more of China.
The 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy has greatly simplified travel for international visitors passing through China, allowing them to experience the country without the need to obtain a visa. With its expansion to more cities, China continues to make travel easier for transit passengers and boost tourism and international business.
The policy is an important part of China’s commitment to improving transit convenience and welcoming international travelers.
