China’s Transit Visa-Free Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

China’s transit visa-free policy allows citizens of certain countries to stay in China for up to 24 or 144 hours without a visa. This policy can be a great way to save time and money if you have a long layover in China or want to make a short visit to the country.

Who is Eligible?

The 24-hour visa-free transit policy is available to citizens of 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is available to citizens of an additional 10 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

 

Visa-free Countries

The visa-free policy applies to citizens of the following countries:

• 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
• United States
• Canada
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• Chile
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Japan
• Singapore
• Brunei
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar

 

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a citizen of an eligible country.
You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region within 24 or 144 hours, as applicable.
You must not leave the port of entry.

Application Process

There is no application process for the transit visa-free policy. You simply need to present your passport and onward ticket to the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Ports of Entry

The 24-hour visa-free transit policy is available at all international ports of entry in China. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is available at 37 ports in 23 cities, including:

• Beijing
• Tianjin
• Shijiazhuang
• Qinhuangdao
• Shanghai
• Nanjing
• Hangzhou
• Ningbo
• Guangzhou
• Shenzhen
• Jieyang
• Shenyang
• Dalian
• Qingdao
• Chongqing
• Chengdu
• Xi’an
• Xiamen
• Wuhan
• Kunming
• Changsha
• Harbin
• Guilin
• Zhengzhou

 

Stay Duration

The maximum stay under the 24-hour visa-free transit policy is 24 hours. The maximum stay under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy is 144 hours.

Activities Permitted

Under the transit visa-free policy, you are permitted to engage in the following activities:

Sightseeing
Shopping
Visiting friends and relatives
Attending business meetings
You are not permitted to work or study in China under the transit visa-free policy.

Visa on Arrival

If you are not eligible for the transit visa-free policy, you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival. However, this is not guaranteed and may involve additional fees.

Changes to the Policy

Please note that the China transit visa-free policy is subject to change at any time. It is always best to check with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest information.

Additional Tips

Be sure to have your passport and onward ticket with you at all times while you are in China.
Keep your valuables secure and do not leave them unattended.
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid scams and pickpocketing.
Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to help you communicate with locals.
Conclusion

China’s transit visa-free policy is a great way to see more of China without having to apply for a visa. By following the guidelines in this article, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in China.

 

 

READ MORE:

INTERNATIONAL TRANSIT PASSENGERS CAN ENJOY SHANGHAI’S “FREE ENTRY HALF-DAY TOUR”.

HOW TO SEE BEIJING IN 72 HOURS WITHOUT A VISA