Visa-free

Citizens from specific countries transiting through China can take advantage of the visa-free transit policy, which allows for stays of up to 144 hours (6 days) in designated cities. To qualify, travelers must possess a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, with a confirmed date and seat within the allowed timeframe. This policy permits short-term activities such as tourism and temporary business visits.

Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Transit:

• Europe (40 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.

• Americas (6 countries): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.

• Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand.

• Asia (6 countries): Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar.

Applicable Ports: China has implemented the 144-hour visa-free transit policy at 37 ports, including:

• Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Qinhuangdao in Hebei

• Shenyang and Dalian in Liaoning

• Shanghai, Nanjing, and Lianyungang in Jiangsu

• Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, and Zhoushan in Zhejiang

• Zhengzhou in Henan

• Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Jieyang in Guangdong

• Qingdao in Shandong

• Chongqing, Chengdu in Sichuan

• Xi'an in Shaanxi

• Xiamen in Fujian

• Wuhan in Hubei

• Kunming, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna in Yunnan.

For detailed information about specific ports and the scope of stay, please refer to announcements from the State Administration of Migration, as these may be subject to adjustment.

Important Tips:

1. During the visa-free stay, travelers must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and avoid activities that contradict the purpose of the visa exemption.

2. If travelers wish to go beyond the designated area or exceed the time limit, they must apply to the Exit-Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Organs for the appropriate documentation.

3. For accommodation during the visa-free stay, travelers should register their stay according to legal requirements. It is advisable to book hotels and transportation in advance to optimize the visa-free experience.