144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Duration: 144 hours (6 days)
Cost: Free
Processing: Processed upon arrival at immigration

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.

签证要求

  • 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

符合条件的国家

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaFranceGermanyJapanSouth KoreaNetherlandsBelgiumAustriaSwedenDenmarkNorwayFinlandItalySpainPortugalGreeceSwitzerlandand 34 more

符合条件的入境口岸

Beijing Capital Airport
Shanghai Pudong Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Chengdu Shuangliu Airport
Kunming Changshui Airport
Xiamen Gaoqi Airport
Wuhan Tianhe Airport
Qingdao Jiaodong Airport

重要提示

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.

分步申请流程

1

Confirm your nationality is on the list of eligible countries for the visa-free transit programme.

2

Book flights with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region different from your country of origin.

3

Ensure your passport has at least six months of remaining validity from your date of entry.

4

Arrive at one of the designated entry ports listed in the programme.

5

Complete the arrival card and proceed to the special visa-free transit immigration counter.

6

Receive your transit stamp and enjoy your stay within the permitted administrative region.

7

Depart China within the allotted hours through any of the designated exit ports.

申请成功技巧

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for China?
Not necessarily. China offers visa-free transit programmes (including the 144-hour programme) to citizens of 54 countries, allowing stays of up to six days without a visa. If you are transiting through China with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, you may qualify. For longer stays or direct round trips, a visa is required.
How long does it take to get a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
Standard processing for a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit takes Processed upon arrival at immigration. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee and can reduce the wait to 2-3 business days. During peak travel seasons, processing times may be longer, so apply well in advance.
How much does a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit cost?
The standard fee for a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit is $0 for US citizens. Fees vary by nationality and may differ in your country. Additional charges apply for expedited processing, multiple-entry visas, and visa application centre service fees.
How long can I stay in China with a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
A 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit allows a stay of 144 hours (6 days). The clock starts at midnight the day after your arrival, and you must depart before the time expires.
What documents do I need for a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
Key requirements include: 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). There are 5 requirements in total — check the full list on the Chinese embassy website for your country.
Can I extend my 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
The visa-free transit programme cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer than the permitted hours, you must apply for a regular visa before entering China. Overstaying will result in fines, detention, and potential bans on future entry.
Which countries are eligible for visa-free transit?
Citizens of 54 countries are eligible, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations. Japan and South Korea are also included. Check the latest list on the Chinese embassy website, as countries are occasionally added to the programme.
Which airports accept visa-free transit?
Visa-free transit is available at major airports including Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, and several others. Each entry port has a defined administrative region within which you may travel. Entering through Shanghai, for example, allows travel within Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces.
What are common mistakes when applying for a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
The most common mistakes are booking a return flight to your country of origin instead of a third country, not having a confirmed onward ticket, and attempting to travel outside the permitted administrative region. Ensure you understand the rules before arrival.

其他签证类型

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

30-90 days$140

Business Visa (M Visa)

30-90 days$140

Transit Visa (G Visa)

Up to 7 days$140

Student Visa (X Visa)

Up to 5 years (X1) / Up to 180 days (X2)$140