China’s 144-hour transit visa allows eligible travelers to explore specific regions of the country without the usual visa requirements. We’ll explain the visa, who qualifies, how to apply, and why it’s a valuable option for some travelers.
Who Can Apply for the 144-Hour Transit Visa?
You are eligible to apply for a 144-hour visa-free transit in China if you are a national of one of the following countries:
Schengen Agreement 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
Other European Countries
- Albania
- Belarus
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Cyprus
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Ukraine
- Serbia
- Croatia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Monaco
American Countries
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Chile
Asian Countries
- South Korea
- Japan
- Singapore
- Brunei
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
Oceania Countries
- Australia
- New Zealand
What Type of Traveler Applies for the 144-Hour Chinese Visa Transit?
The 144-hour visa-free transit is particularly beneficial for several reasons, and certain types of travelers find it more advantageous than applying for a regular visa.
Here’s why someone might choose this option:
Tourists
Tourists on multi-country trips often benefit from the 144-hour visa-free transit. The visa allows them to explore cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou during their layovers. For example, a tourist traveling from the USA to Thailand with a layover in Shanghai can enjoy the city for up to six days without a visa.
Business Travelers
Business travelers use the 144-hour visa-free transit to attend short-term meetings, conferences, or trade fairs. It is also helpful for entrepreneurs exploring business opportunities. For instance, a German executive with meetings in Guangzhou and a flight to Japan can attend these meetings without needing a business visa.
Transit Passengers
Transit passengers can make the most of their layover in China by exploring the city instead of staying at the airport. This is perfect for spontaneous travel plans. For example, a traveler from Canada stopping in Beijing on the way to Australia can do so easily with the 144-hour visa-free transit.
Permitted Areas for the 144-Hour Transit Visa in China
The 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers to explore specific regions within China.
Here are the permitted areas:
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
- Beijing: Beijing Capital International Airport
- Tianjin: Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Xingang Port
- Hebei: Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang Region
- Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
- Jiangsu: Nanjing Lukou International Airport
- Zhejiang: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Guangdong Province
- Guangzhou: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Shenzhen: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
- Jieyang: Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport
Other Regions
- Sichuan: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
- Chongqing: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- Shaanxi: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
- Yunnan: Kunming Changshui International Airport
- Shandong: Qingdao Liuting International Airport
- Hubei: Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
- Fujian: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Travelers using the 144-hour visa-free transit must remain within these regions and depart from the same area where they entered.
What Are The Requirements for a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China?
- Transit Locations: Your transit must occur through one of China’s participating cities and ports.
- Onward Ticket: You must have an onward ticket with a confirmed seat and dates.
- Eligible Passport: You must possess a valid passport or travel documents from one of the 53 eligible countries.
- Permitted Region: You must stay within the designated region during your transit.
- Transit Duration: Your transit time in China must be at most 144 hours.
- No Stopovers: You cannot have any stopovers during transit.
How to Apply
Step 1: Inform Airline
When boarding your flight to China, inform the airline staff that you intend to use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
Step 2: Arrival Card
Fill out an arrival/departure card on the plane or at the airport.
Step 3: Apply at the Port
Upon arrival at the airport, go to the visa-free transit counter. Present your passport, onward ticket, and any necessary visas for your next destination.
Step 4: Receive a Temporary Stay Permit
After approval, you will receive a temporary stay permit stamped on your passport.
Final Thoughts on The Chinese Transit Visa
The 144-hour transit visa in China is a fantastic option for eligible travelers to make the most of their layovers and short-term visits. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or transit passenger, this visa allows you to explore amazing cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. It allows you to turn your brief stopovers into exciting and convenient experiences in China.
We recommend using sources like travel.state.gov for any travel and safety updates before you travel to a country.
Have Questions? Ask The China Visa Department!
Still trying to figure out the Chinese visa application process? The China Visa Department can help you with any questions about Chinese visas. If you plan to apply for a traditional visa and want assistance, contact us at (888) 899-9629. We want to help you with each step of the application process.