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China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
China’s 144 hour visa free transit policy allows foreign nationals from eligible countries to enter China and stay for up to 144 hours visa free when traveling to a third country or region with a confirmed connecting ticket.
Passengers arriving at major international airports such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, or Yantai Penglai International Airport may receive a temporary entry permit issued by immigration inspection authorities under the National Immigration Administration. Travelers can explore designated visa free transit areas including Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, Jiangsu Province, Shandong Province, and Guangdong Province before they exit China.
144-Hour Stay
Travel in China for up to 144 hours visa free.
International Airports
Enter through approved Chinese airports.
Temporary Entry Permit
Issued by immigration officers on arrival.
Visa-Free Areas
Explore regions such as Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province.
What Is China’s 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?
China’s 144 hour visa free transit policy allows foreign nationals from eligible countries to enter China without applying for a traditional visa when traveling to a third country or region.
Under this visa free transit policy, travelers arriving at designated international airports can receive a temporary entry permit issued by immigration inspection authorities. Once approved, visitors may stay within the approved visa free transit area for up to 144 hours before they exit China.
The policy is administered by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) and applies to travelers who hold valid international travel documents and a confirmed connecting ticket to another country.
This hour visa free transit program was designed to encourage tourism, business visits, and short international stopovers in major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
Who Can Use the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China?
The 144 hour visa free transit policy applies to foreign nationals from eligible countries who are traveling between two different countries with a confirmed connecting ticket.
Travelers must hold valid international travel documents and have a confirmed departure date to a third country or region within the allowed 144 hours visa free period. Round-trip routes such as USA → China → USA are not eligible under the visa free transit policy.
Citizens from many European countries and other regions can use the visa free transit program, including travelers from Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and Brazil.
When entering China, travelers must present their passport, connecting ticket, and arrival documents to immigration officers. If approved, the immigration inspection authorities will issue temporary entry permits, allowing visitors to stay within the designated visa free transit area until they exit China.
Requirements for China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
To qualify for the 144 hour visa free transit policy, foreign nationals must meet several requirements set by the National Immigration Administration and local immigration inspection authorities.
Valid International Travel Documents
Travelers must hold valid international travel documents such as a passport with at least three months validity and available visa pages. Other international travel documents recognized by Chinese authorities may also be accepted.
Confirmed Connecting Ticket
Passengers must have a confirmed connecting ticket to a third country or region with a confirmed departure date within the allowed 144 hours. The itinerary must follow the transit rule:
Country A → China → Country B
Entry Through Approved Ports
Travelers must arrive at designated international airports or ports participating in the visa free transit policy, such as Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, or Yantai Penglai International Airport.
Stay Within the Visa-Free Transit Area
Visitors must remain within the approved visa free transit area during their stay. These areas usually include major administrative regions such as Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Guangdong Province, Shandong Province, and Liaoning Province.
Apply for a Temporary Entry Permit
Upon arrival, passengers must complete the transit application and cooperate with immigration officers. If approved, immigration inspection authorities will issue temporary entry permits allowing travelers to enter China and stay for up to 144 hours visa free before they exit China.
Cities and Regions That Allow 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China’s 144 hour visa free transit policy is available in several major administrative regions across the country. Travelers who receive a temporary entry permit can stay within the approved visa free transit area for up to 144 hours.
Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
Visitors entering through Beijing can travel within Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, and Hebei Province during their hour visa free transit stay.
Shanghai–Jiangsu–Zhejiang Region
Travelers arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Nanjing Lukou International Airport may visit Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province, one of the most popular regions for international visitors.
Guangdong Province Region
Passengers arriving in Guangdong Province through airports in Guangzhou or Shenzhen can explore cities within the entire province, including major business and travel destinations.
Shandong Province Region
Travelers entering through Yantai Penglai International Airport can stay within Shandong Province, which offers coastal cities and historical attractions.
Liaoning Province Region
Foreign visitors arriving in Liaoning Province may travel within the approved visa free area that includes several cities in northeastern China.
These visa free transit areas allow visitors to explore major destinations before they exit China within the allowed 144 hours visa free period.
How to Apply for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit at the Airport
The application process for the 144 hour visa free transit is handled directly at the airport when travelers arrive in China. Eligible foreign nationals do not need to apply for a visa in advance.
Step 1 — Inform the Airline During Check-in
When you check in for your international flight, inform the airline staff that you plan to use the visa free transit policy. Travelers must show a confirmed connecting ticket to a third country or region.
Step 2 — Arrival and Immigration Inspection
After landing at an approved international airport, passengers should follow signs for visa free transit. The immigration inspection authority will review your passport, international travel documents, and confirmed departure ticket.
Step 3 — Apply for a Temporary Entry Permit
If your documents meet the requirements, immigration officers will issue temporary entry permits allowing you to enter China under the 144 hour visa free transit policy.
Step 4 — Stay Within the Visa-Free Transit Area
Travelers must remain in the approved visa free transit area during their stay and must exit China before the 144 hours limit expires.
Important Rules for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Travelers using the 144 hour visa free transit policy must follow the rules issued by the National Immigration Administration and local immigration inspection authorities.
Stay Within the Approved Transit Area
Visitors must remain within the designated visa free transit area during their 144 hours visa free stay. Traveling outside the approved administrative regions may be considered illegal residence.
Leave China Before the Allowed Time
Travelers must exit China before the 144 hours limit expires. Overstaying the permitted time may result in penalties from the entry administration department.
Carry Valid Travel Documents
Foreign visitors must carry valid international travel documents and keep their temporary entry permit during their stay in China. Immigration officers may request relevant certificates or travel information at any time.
Special Situations
If travelers cannot leave China on time due to force majeure such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies, they must apply for a stay permit through the local entry administration department.
Following these rules ensures that visitors can legally enjoy their stay under the visa free transit policy.
Plan Your 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Trip in China
Share a few details about your travel schedule, and our China travel experts will design a personalized visa-free transit itinerary to help you make the most of your 144-hour stay in China.
We’ll recommend the best cities, attractions, and routes — with a customized travel plan and quote within 24 hours.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
FAQ About China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Can I leave the airport during the 144-hour visa-free transit?
Yes. After immigration inspection authorities approve your application and issue a temporary entry permit, you can enter China and travel within the designated visa free transit area during the 144 hours visa free period.
When does the 144-hour visa-free transit start?
The 144 hours usually start at 00:00 on the day following entry into China, not at the exact arrival time.
Do I need a visa to use the visa-free transit policy?
No. The visa free transit policy allows eligible foreign nationals to stay in China without applying for a Chinese visa in advance if they meet the transit requirements.
What documents are required for visa-free transit?
Travelers must present valid international travel documents, a confirmed connecting ticket to a third country or region, and complete the arrival procedures required by the immigration inspection authority.
Can I travel to other cities in China?
Travelers must remain within the designated visa free transit area or approved administrative regions where they entered China.
What happens if I cannot leave China within 144 hours?
If travelers cannot exit China within the allowed time due to force majeure, they must apply for a stay permit through the local entry administration department.
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