144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China offers 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit to citizens of 54 countries at major entry points including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and several other cities. This generous policy allows travelers to explore select regions of China without a visa, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within the permitted timeframe. This is one of the easiest ways to experience China.
Requirements
- Passport from one of the 54 eligible countries
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (not the country of origin)
- Valid visa for the destination country (if required)
- Arrival and departure must be through designated ports
- Stay must be within the permitted administrative region
Eligible Countries
Eligible Entry Ports
Important Notes
Travelers must remain within the designated administrative region of their entry port. For example, entering through Shanghai allows travel within Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces. Check current eligible regions before planning your itinerary.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm your nationality is on the list of eligible countries for the visa-free transit programme.
Book flights with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region different from your country of origin.
Ensure your passport has at least six months of remaining validity from your date of entry.
Arrive at one of the designated entry ports listed in the programme.
Complete the arrival card and proceed to the special visa-free transit immigration counter.
Receive your transit stamp and enjoy your stay within the permitted administrative region.
Depart China within the allotted hours through any of the designated exit ports.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start the application process at least three weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays.
- Make photocopies of all submitted documents for your own records.
- Ensure your passport photo meets the exact specifications — 48mm x 33mm, white background, taken within the last six months.
- You must remain within the permitted administrative region of your entry city.
- The 144-hour clock starts at midnight the day after your arrival, giving you up to six full days.
- Keep your onward ticket confirmation accessible at all times during your stay.
- If you plan to visit multiple regions, a regular tourist visa may be a better choice.
- Entering through Shanghai allows travel within Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces.