S China’s Guangdong Offers 144-hour Visa-free Transit
Introduction to Guangdong’s 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Guangdong, a major economic and cultural hub in South China, has implemented the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from eligible countries. This policy, available at Guangzhou (广州) and other key cities in the province, allows foreign visitors to stay for up to 144 hours (6 days) without the need for a visa, provided they meet specific criteria.
This initiative is part of China’s efforts to boost tourism, facilitate international business, and strengthen global connectivity by offering a more convenient transit option for travelers passing through the country.
Cities in Guangdong Covered by the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy is available in several cities in Guangdong Province, with the primary city being Guangzhou, the provincial capital. Guangdong, being one of the most economically developed provinces in China, is a key gateway for both international travelers and international trade.
Eligible Cities:
- Guangzhou (广州)
- Shenzhen (深圳)
- Zhuhai (珠海)
These cities are major centers for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Under the 144-hour policy, travelers can enter through one of these cities and enjoy a visa-free stay for up to six days.
Starting May 1, nationals from 53 countries can enjoy a 144-hour visa-free period when transiting through south China’s Guangdong Province.
The new move, approved by China’s State Council, is an extension of the 72-hour visa-free transit policy currently adopted in the province.
They can enter Guangdong via its three airports, namely Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, and exit via the province’s 32 ports.
The policy applies to passengers from 53 countries including Britain, the United States, Australia, Japan, Denmark, France, Germany and Russia. They are required to carry effective international travel documents and have onward travel tickets with confirmed dates and seats within 144 hours.
Lin Weixiong, vice director of the Guangdong provincial public security department, said the policy was expected to attract more overseas tourists and boost tourism and civil aviation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
Since 2013, the State Council has approved 72-hour visa-free transit in 18 cities for eligible international travelers and later extended the period to 144 hours in a number of cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shijiazhuang and Shenyang.
Source: Xinhua News Agency Update: May 5, 2019
