China 144 Hour Visa Free Transit: Cities, Requirements, Application & Tips 2024

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on January 24, 2024:

1. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

2. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. China will be 15-day visa free for Ireland and Switzerland soon.

3. China will gradually phase out the appointment system for visa applications. As of now, nearly 100 Chinese embassies and consulates abroad have implemented the "walk-in" system, and it is expected that all Chinese embassies and consulates abroad will have implemented the "walk-in" system by the end of this year.

4. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

5. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

6. The 15-day visa-free entry policy for Singaporean citizens has been resumed.

7. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

8. Make the following adjustments to the visa and entry policies for foreigners entering China, effective from 00:00 March 15, 2023 Beijing time:

1). The entry function of visas which were issued before March 28, 2020 and still valid will be restored.

2). Overseas visa offices will resume issuing various types of visas (including Tourist Visa) for foreigners to travel to China, with specific requirements detailed in the visa application guidelines of Chinese embassies or consulates.

3). Port visa offices will resume issuing various types of port visas for lawful purposes.

4). The policies of visa-free entry for Hainan, Shanghai International cruise arrival, Guangdong for Tourist group entry of foreigners from Hong Kong, Macau, and ASEAN tourist groups entering Guilin, Guangxi will be restored.

9. Attention on China Group Visa on Arrival in Nepal: needs minimum 4 applicants, and no maximum limit. All applicants from one list must all come to the Visa Center for application.

10. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

avatar
Anne
"Hi Mr. Wang, Thanks! I had a weekend away to Xi’an, China to celebrate my birthday. It was an exciting weekend and it was certainly something off the beaten trail for most of my friends. The itinerary..." read more »
Reviewed on January 24, 2024
avatar
Thitikorn
"China Discovery is very professional agent in China...last January 2024, I contacted Vivien again to Huangshan and she has shown her professional as an agent with quick response and keep contacting me..." read more »
Reviewed on February 17, 2024

Since 2016, China has started the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption policy in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Province of Yangtze River Delta to offer transit convenience for international travelers, and more cities like Beijing, Xian, Tianjin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Guangzhou and so on have been joined in. Under such policy, visitors coming from the appointed 54 countries, holding the valid travel documents and connecting flight tickets to a third country/region, are allowed to enter from specific ports, and stay in certain areas without a Chinese Visa for up to 144 hours (6 days) in China.

Hot News: From December 1, 2019, Xian and Chongqing have upgraded the current 72-Hour Visa-free Transit into 144 hours; the pemitted stay area under Chengdu 144-Hour Transit Visa Free Policy has been expanded to Chengdu, Leshan, Yibin, Deyang and altogether 11 cities within Sichuan Province; Air travelers transiting in Ningbo Lishe Airport can visit Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang for 144 hours.

China 144 Hour Transit Visa Free

At present, there are 20 cities in China implementing the 144-Hour TWOV (Transit without Visa) policy, including the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Ningbo), Jing-Jin-Ji Region (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei), Liaoning (Shenyang, Dalian), Xian, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan and Qingdao and Guangdong Province (Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Chaoshan). Different (air, railway and cruise) ports of entry are opened in the cities. The visa-free policy provides greater convenience for international transit, as well as more flexibility of short-term travel, business trip and family visit in China. (updated in February, 2023)

China City Port of Entry Permitted Visa-free Stay Area Port of Exit
Beijing Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing West Railway Station
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei Province Same as entry ports
Tianjin Tianjin Binhai International Airport
Tianjin International Cruise Home Port
Shijiazhuang (Hebei Province) Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
Qinhuangdao (Hebei Province) Qinghuangdao Port
Shanghai Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai Railway Station
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
Shanghai, Zhejiang Province (Hangzhou, Ningbo, Huzhou, and other cities), Jiangsu Province (Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou and other cities) Same as entry ports
Nanjing Nanjing Lukou International Airport
Hangzhou Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Ningbo Ningbo Lishe International Airport
Chengdu Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport 11 cities in Sichuan Province (Chengdu, Leshan, Deyang, Suining, Meishan, Ya'an, Ziyang, Neijiang, Zigong, Luzhou, Yibin) Same as entry ports
Kunming Kunming Changshui International Airport Kunming
Xiamen Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Xiamen Wutong Ferry Terminal
Xiamen International Cruise Center
Xiamen
Wuhan Wuhan Tianhe International Airport Wuhan
Qingdao Qingdao Liuting International Airport
Qingdao International Cruise Home Port
Shandong Province
Shenyang Shenyang Taoxian International Airport Liaoning Province Same as entry ports
Dalian Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
Guangzhou Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan,Chaoshan and other regions in Guangdong Province Air ports (5), railway ports (4), highway/road ports (8), ferry ports (15)
Shenzhen Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Chaoshan (Jieyang) Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport
Xian Xian Xianyang International Airport Xian, Xianyang Same as entry ports
Chongqing Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Chongqing

What Are the Requirements of 144-Hour Visa-free Transit ?

If you want to apply for the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption when passing through China, there are certain requirements you have to meet.

● Foreigners must come from the designated 54 countries

The policy only applies to citizens from the specified 54 nations in Asia, Europe, America and Oceania. The nationality of your passport will be checked if you are eligible applicants. (Check the detailed list of qualified countries below.)

● Foreigners must hold valid international travel documents

A passport is the most common travel document as the proof of visitors’ identity. Visitors can also take other recognized travel documents to certify their nationality and identity. The passport or other document should have a validity of at least 3 months. (Note that Identity Card, Driver Licence are normally not considered an international travel documents.

● Foreigners must hold a connecting ticket bound for a third country (region) within 144 Hours

One of the most crucial condition is that, foreigners have to hold a connecting ticket (usually flight ticket) to a third country/region with confirmed seat, date within 144 hours. You need to provide document presenting fixed departure date, and departure and next destination are different.

Tips: Hong Kong and Macau are regarded as third regions from China's mainland. Hong Kong Visa / Macau Visa >>

Valid Routes Samples:

1. US > Beijing > Hong Kong or Macau

2. Australia > Shanghai > Hangzhou > Hong Kong or Macau

3. US > Guangzhou > Japan > US

4. New York > Beijing > Kuala Lumpur

5. London > Chengdu > Hong Kong

6. Los Angeles > Hong Kong > Guangzhou > Los Angeles

● Foreigners must enter and exit via specified ports

Passengers are required to get into and leave China from appointed ports, for example, you can only apply for 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijing West Railway Station in Beijing.

Which Countries Qualify for the 144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy

Now, the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption policy in China opens to 54 states in 4 continents. So only citizens from one of the 54 members are allowed to apply for the service. The eligible country list is same to that of China’s 72-Hour Transit Visa Exemption. Read the list below to see if you meet the precondition. Read full list of Countries Applicable to 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit >>

European Countries (39)

European Countries under Schengen Visa Agreement (24):

Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Other European Countries (15):

Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco and Belarus.

American Countries (6):

The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile.

Oceania Countries (2):

Australia and New Zealand.

Asian Countries (6):

South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Which Cities Enjoy China 144-Hour Visa-free Transit

◆ 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in Yangtze River Delta

Since January 30, 2016, China first launched the 144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, for citizens from certain 51 countries (now upgrade to 54 states) holding connecting flight tickets with confirmed seat, date to a third country (region). Ningbo was added in end of 2019. Transit foreigners can choose any one of the 8 permitted ports to enter and exit Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou, and stay for not exceeding 144 hours (6 days) in the administrative regions of Shanghai, any cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. So you can visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Wuxi, Ningbo, Shaoxing, Xuzhou, etc.

See the port in each city in detail below:

Shanghai (5):

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Railway Station

Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

Shanghai WuSongKou International Cruise Terminal

Nanjing (1):

Nanjing Lukou International Airport

Hangzhou (1):

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Ningbo (1):

Ningbo Lishe International Airport

Related Visa-free Tours:

>> 5 Days Essence of Shanghai & Hangzhou Tour

>> 5 Days Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou West Lake Bike Tour

>> 6 Days Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train

144 Hours China Visa - Yangtze River Delta 144-Hour Visa Free Transit in Yangtze River Delta
144 Hours China Visa - Shanghai Jiangsu Zhejiang Towering Skyscrapers in Shanghai

◆ 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei

From December 28, 2017, the State Council approved the implement of 144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy in the Jing-Jin-Ji Region, the biggest urbanized metropolitan area in Northern China. The requirements are same as in Yangtze River Delta. During the transit, passengers can enter and leave China through one of the 6 ports in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province, and stay in the administrative region in Jing-Jin-Ji Region, for no more than 144 hours.

Beijing (3):

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Daxing International Airport

Beijing West Railway Station

Tianjin (2):

Tianjin Binhai International Airport

Tianjin International Cruise Home Port

Hebei (2):

Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airpot

Qinhuangdao Port

Related Visa-free Tours:

>> 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour (Visa Free)

>> 3 Days Tianjin Huangyaguan Great Wall Tour

>> 2 Days Beijing Tianjin Round Trip by Train

144 Hours China Visa - Beijing Tianjian Hebei Administrative Region of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
144 Hours China Visa - Beijing Tianjin Hebei Long Stretching Mutianyu Great Wall

◆ 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in Liaoning

From January 1, 2018, Shenyang and Dalian in Liaoning Province, Northeastern China also carried out the 144-Hour Visa Exemption for international transit passengers. Eligible visitors can get in and departure from one of the two air ports, and stay in any cities in Liaoning Province within 144 hours.

Liaoning (2):

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport

Related Visa-free Tours:

>> 2 Days Essence of Dalian Tour

>> 3 Days Dalian City Break

144 Hours China Visa - Liaoning 144-Hour Visa-free Cities in Liaoning
(click to enlarge)

◆ 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in Guangdong Province

A piece of big news was announced recently, Guangdong Province upgraded the 72-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy to 144 hours from May 1, 2019, by extending the no-visa layover duration, adding more port of entry & exit.

Qualified travelers can enter from one of the three international airports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang (Chaoshan), visit Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Shantou and any city in Guangdong Province for no more than 6 days without applying a Chinese Visa. Finally, visitors may exit China's mainland from 32 valid ports in Guangdong, including airport, railway stations, highway and ferry ports. For multiple connection between Guangdong and Hong Kong/Macau by air, land, railway or ferry, it's super convenient to enjoy a visa-free tour package covering Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area in Pearl River Delta. It gives a great chance to experience different types of culture and urban landscape in Greater Bay Area, Southern China.

3 Ports of Entry:

Guangzhou (1):

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Shenzhen (1):

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport

Jieyang Chaoshan (1):

Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport

Related Visa-free Tours:

>> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay Tour

>> 4 Days Guangzhou Family with Kids Tour

China Guangzhou 144 Hour Visa Free Transit Guangdong Province Map
(click to enlarge)
144 Hours China Visa Canton Tower in Guangzhou

32 Ports of Exit in Guangdong:

Air Ports (5): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, Meizhou Meixian Airport, Zhanjiang Airport.

Railway Ports (4): Guangzhou East Railway Station (Tianhe Port), Dongguan Railway Station, Foshan Railway Station, Zhaoqing Railway Station.

Highway/Road Ports (8): Shenzhen Shatoujiao Port, Wenjindu Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian Port, Zhuhai Gongbei Port, Zhuhai Hengqin Port.

Harbor/Sea Ports (15):

Guangzhou: Guangzhou Port, Nansha Port, LianHuaShan Port; Shenzhen: Shenzhen Shekou Ferry Terminal, Shenzhen Fuyong Port; Zhuhai: Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port, Wanzai Port, Wanshangang Port, Doumen Gang Port; Jiangmen: Jiangmen Port, Heshan Bay Port; Foshan: Foshan Gaoming Port, Rongqi Port; Dongguan: Dongguan Humen Port; Zhongshan: Zhongshan Port.

Important Notice:1) above information is only for reference and may be outdated, you'd better contact Immigration Administration to check final availability and latest news. You can browse their website https://en.nia.gov.cn/ or dial their official consulting lines - 86 020 12367 (Guangzhou), 86 0755 12367 (Shenzhen), 86 0756 12367 (Zhuhai). English-speaking service is available.

Learn more about 144-hour Visa Free Transit in Guangdong Province

◆ More Cities for 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in China

From January 1, 2019, the 144-Hour Visa-free Transit begins to take effect in more 5 popular cities in China, including Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan and Qingdao. And Xian and Chongqing extended to 144 hours from 72 hours in end of 2019. Once meeting related rules, foreigners may leave from the same port of entry in each city, and move around in administrative areas within 144 hours without applying Chinese Visa. (Visitors can visit all cities in Shandong Province after entry from Qingdao.) The new measure facilitates transit visitors to enjoy a longer duration of stay, by extending the previous 72 hours to 144 hours.

Note:The new policy is implemented in the 5 cities respectively, not for a combined transit area.

Xian (1):

Xian Xianyang International Airport

Chongqing (1):

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Chengdu (1):

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Xiamen (3):

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Xiamen Wutong Ferry Terminal

Xiamen International Cruise Center

Wuhan (1):

Wuhan Tianhe International Airport

Qingdao (2):

Qingdao Liuting International Airport

Qingdao Port

Kunming (1):

Kunming Changshui International Airport

Related Visa-free Tours:

>> 3 Days Classic Xian Tour

>> 2 Days Chengdu City Break

>> 5 Days Xiamen Golf Tour

>> 3 Days Qingdao Bear & Seaside Tour

>> 2 Days Essential Wuhan City Tour

>> 3 Days Kunming Tour to Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave

144 Hours China Visa China Map
(click to enlarge)
144 Hours China Visa Cute Giant Pandas in Chengdu
144 Hours China Visa Beautiful Gulangyu Island in Xiamen

How to Apply for China 144 Hour Transit Visa ?

Applying the visa-free transit in a airport, seaport or railway port is much easier and faster than application in a Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Once successfully approved, your passport will stamp a stay permit, instead of a whole stick on a visa page.

Required Documents:

a. Personal valid international travel documents with a validity of at least 3 months from the date of entry;

b. Onward (flight/train/cruise) ticket to a third country (region) with confirmed seat and date within 144 hour on arrival;

c. Completed Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners;

d. Valid visa to the third country or region (if requires).

Application Process:

Normally, there are 6 steps to follow to apply for the 144-Hour Visa-exemption Transit. Meanwhile, Shanghai has adopted an easy and fast online application system pre-arrival since November 2018. Let’s see what you should do to take the transit visa exemption.

Option One (Most Common Procedure):

A. You should notify the carrier that you would apply for the 144-Hour Visa-free Transit when boarding. They will convey your need to the immigration office.

B. Follow signs at customs area, and get to the dedicated counter/channel immigration department set for 144-Hour Visa-free Transit applicants.

C. If get approved, your passport will be stamped a stay permit by the officer, which shows the issuing date, the permitted duration of stay.

D. If you have a valid Chinese Visa, and don’t want to use it this time, you should tell the immigration officer you will enter and transit by applying the 144-Hour Visa-free Transit.

E. After leaving airport, you must register yourself within 24 hours upon arrival at the local police station or Public Security Bureau (PSB). If you will stay in hotel, the hotel staff will do the registration for you.

F. You’re required to apply for a new Chinese Visa from the local PSB, if you intend to travel other cities or stay longer than 144 hours. Otherwise, your illegal stay will face fines and other serious consequences.

144 Hours China Visa Passport and Connecting Flight Ticket are Required Documents
144 Hours China Visa Indicator for 144 Hours China Visa Free Transit
144 Hour Visa Free Shanghai 144 Hour Visa Free Transit Application Area

Option Two (Online Applivation Only Available in Shanghai):

1.) Log on the official website (https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/144zy.jsp) and fill in the online electronic application abroad in advance; Type all individual details, planed places to stay, contact number and proposed departure & arrival date and transportation. Submit the application, then you will get a QR code. The system will give useful tips and feedback promptly when your situation is not suitable.

2.) After landing in Shanghai Hongqiao or Pudong International Airport, go to the special 144-Hour Visa-free Transit area. Scan your passport/international travel documents or the generated QR code on a self-service kiosk, print the Arrival Card filled and submitted before arrival. (If you didn’t apply online, you can also complete the application and print them out though the machines.)

3.) Apply in the visa counter, prove valid travel document, arrival card, connecting flight tickets. And accept inquiry and inspection by the exit & entry authority.

144 Hour Visa Free Shanghai Self-service Kiosk in Shanghai Airport

Important Notes of Transit Route, Entry Date & Restrictions

The 144-Hour Visa-free policy is only applicable for foreigners’ short transit in China. If you want to take advantage of such convenience and tour chance during the layover, you should meet all requirements, comply with all regulations and laws. Here we give you more useful guide and tips about it.

Transit Route

The 144-Hour Visa-free Transit policy is suitable for visitors who transit the specified area with onward transfer to a third country/region. Therefore, the departure and next arrival destination must be different.

For example:

a. Australia – Beijing – Tianjin – Singapore is OK (✔).

b. Australia – Beijing – Shanghai – Singapore is NOT OK (✘).

c. Australia – Beijing – Dalian – Tianjin – Singapore is NOT OK (✘).

d. Australia – Shanghai - Xian - Singapore is NOT OK (✘).

e. Sydney - Shanghai - Hong Kong -Sydney is OK (✔).

f. New Zealand - Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Shanghai - New Zealand is Not OK (✘).

g. New Zealand - Guangzhou - Shenzhen - Hong Kong/Macau - New Zealand is OK (✔).

Area of Movement

The 144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy appoints different range of activity in different cities. Namely, foreigners must transit and stay in one city/area only, not allowed to travel beyond the permitted area.

* Foreigners transiting in one of the 7 ports in Shanghai - Jiangsu - Zhejiang area, can enter (and exit) and stay from any port permitted, and visit Shanghai, and all cities in neighboring Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces.

* If you have a short layover in one of the 6 ports in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, you could enter (and exit) and stay in Beijing, Tianjin and all the cities in Hebei Province.

* Foreigners transfer in Shenyang Airport and Dalian Airport, can exit from either one air ports, and stay in any cities of Liaoning Province.

* There is only one local air port in Chengdu, Wuhan, Kunming and Qingdao separately. The movement is restricted to the administrative area.

Say if you enter from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, you can visit Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street, Kuan Zhai Alley in downtown area, and Mount Qingcheng, Dujiangyan Irregation Prpject, Dujiangyan Panda Base in suburb Chengdu.

* If you will transit in one of the 3 mentioned air ports in Guangdong Province, you are freely to visit any cities in Guangdong Province, and can exit from 32 opened ports in Guangdong Province.

Calculation of Entry Date

The 144-hour visa free transit officially counts from 00:00 on the next day after entry, not from the time when the flight land at the airport, or the time you get the stay permit. So you actually stay more than 144 hours. For example, if you arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 7:00 on March 1st, 2019, so the visa-free transit begins from 00:00 on March 2. Therefore, you can stay in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang and leave before 24:00 on March 7th, 2019.

Others

① Must check carefully if you meet all the application qualifications.

When you belong to one of the following situations, you can NOT use the 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in China.

1.) The exit & entry border check authority confirmed your visit to Chin is prohibited according to relevant laws and regulations; 2.) Passport or other international travel documents you hold is not valid for 3 months, or stamped visa refusal; 3.) You had illegal entry/exit, stay and work record in China within 5 years; 4.) You had violation of accommodation registration and caused serious cases in China within 2 years.

② Prior to arrival, you need to report the visa-free transit request to the immigration authority through the airline company or personally.

③ You’re required to fill in Arrival Card (the blue one, not the yellow slip get on plane) on arrival, fill up the Departure Card at counter when leaving.

④ Your movement is strictly limited in certain areas in the transiting city. Travel outside the area needs applying for a Chinese Visa.

How to Spend 144 Hours (6 Days) in China During Transit

It’s really a great chance to explore Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Kunming and other cities during your 6-day transit trip in China. Depending on relevant regulations, you may have an in-depth local city tour or a short-term side trip. Travel with China Discovery, we will provide you high-quality tour packages, including iconic sightseeing, featured activities, convenient transfer, dining and accommodation, etc. Select our most popular 144 visa-free tours below or contact us to customize your own one.

Popular China Visa-free Tours:

Top Popular 144-Hour Visa-free Cities in China

Beijing Forbidden City

Beijing

Highlights: Forbidden City, Great Walls, Hutongs...

The Bund in Shanghai

Shanghai

Highlights: The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden...

China 144 Hour Visa Free Transit

Xian

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Bell & Drum Tower...

Guangzhou Pearl River

Guangzhou

Highlights: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Guangzhou Tower...

West Lake

Hangzhou

Highlights: West Lake, Linyin Temple, Wuzhen Water Town...

Chengdu Panda

Chengdu

Highlights: Giant Panda, Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street...

Stone Forest in Kunming

Kunming

Highlights: Green Lake, Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Land...

Lingering Garden

Suzhou

Highlights: Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou Museum, Zhouzhuang Water Town...

Recommended Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

Customize a Trip

Questions & Discussions

Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.

Shanghai 144h Visa via Hongkong
Hi!

I was planing the following route (I am a German citizen):

- Flight: Frankfurt, Germany to Hongkong (only transfer, 3h until connecting flight leaves)
- Flight: Hongkong to Shanghai Pudong
- 3-4 days at Shanghai
- Flight: Shanghai Pudong to Hongkong, this time entering Hongkong with immigration
- 10 days at Hongkong
- Flight: Hongkong to Frankfurt, Germany

Does this route work as long as I don’t enter Hongkong SAR on the first keg and only transfer to my connecting flight to PVG? Or do I always have to pass immigration when arriving at Hongkong and connecting to another flight? Flights would all be Cathay Pacific and on one multileg-ticket.

Thanks for any advice.
2020-05-10 06:06
Hi Flo,
For your first section flight, if departure is Frankfurt and arrival city is Shanghai, thus, the 144 Transit Visa Free policy works for you. But please notice that, during the coronavirus time, this 144-hour free entry has been suspended all over China and the restart date remains unknown. We will keep updated and give further advice if you need.
Wish you and your family safe and healthy. And all our life will go back to normal soon.
144 or 72 hour visa free
Just asked a question about arriving at Daxing and departing Beijing Capital.
sorry forgot to say on Australian Passports
2020-03-06 11:00
Hi,
Beijing Capital Airport and Daxing Airport both offer transit visa for qualified visitors. Since you just transfer in Beijing very short time, you’re more likely to apply for the 24 Hour Direct Transit without visa at Daxing Airport, rather than the 144 hour visa.
After you land, just finish related procedure and get a 24- hour Temporary Entry Permit, then you can leave Daxing Airport and go to Capital Airport to take flights leave.
During the Coronavirus period, we remind you to wear a mask and bring protective items. Take good care of yourself and wish you health and happiness.
144 hour Visa
Hi, I was planning a trip to Shanghai and my travel will be US--Shanghai(Jan, 27th)---Tokyo(Feb 2)---US, however, I will only be staying in Tokyo for 5 hours, it is not a layover but a separate ticket to Tokyo, I was wondering if I still qualify with the short duration of stay in Tokyo.
2020-01-23 01:09
Hi Daniel,
If you hold US passport, then, yes, you are eligible to apply 144 hour transit visa free in Shanghai. It would be a different situation if you book connecting flights.
Here is detailed guide about Shanghai 144 Hour Visa: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/shanghai-visa-free.html.

Wish everything goes well and have a good day!
138 hrs in China do we qualify for a visa free trip ?
I am travelling to China from GB ,arriving in Ningbo then travelling to Shanghai . We leave from Shanghai 138 hrs later for Tokyo. Will we qualify for 144 hr visa waiver ?
2020-01-21 01:38
Hi Nicky,
If you enter Ningbo from Ningbo Airport, you are eligible to apply for the 144 Hour Transit Visa Free. Once entry under the 144 hour TWOV Policy, you can tour Ningbo, Shanghai, or Hangzhou, Suzhou and any city in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces.
Wish you all the best! Have a joyful layover tour in Shanghai!
multiple TVOW in one year
I am intending to fly into Shanghai from UK, stay for 4 days and then leave to Japan where I will spend 2.5 weeks travelling - for this, I believe I qualify for 144 TWOV.
It is cheaper and quicker for me to book a return flight from UK to Shanghai, and so I would need to return to Shanghai from Japan on my way home. On this occasion, I would not leave Pudong airport and it would only be a few hours layover before my return flight home. Does this mean I would need a second TWOV? Is it possible to apply for more than 1 TWOV in such a short period?

Really struggling to find the answer!! Thank you
2020-01-15 03:46
Hi Green,

Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, you can use TWOV multiple times in a short period of time. We also provide tailor-made valuable Shanghai tour package, feel free to find a great Shanghai tour here if you want - https://www.chinadiscovery.com/shanghai-tours.html.
Macau - Shanghai - London
Hi,
I am planning to fly from Macau to Shanghai then fly to London with a 2h layover in Hong Kong . I assume that is OK?
Thanks
2020-01-15 01:16
144 hour a visa free for Tianjin.
Hi , There is 8 adults all of us with Australian passports travelling from Brisbane to Singapore by aircraft then cruising for 12 days from Singapore with the last port being Tianjin International Cruise terminal. ( only visiting this port in China) We are disembarking and have a booking at the Inner Mongolia Grand Hotel Wangfujing for 2 nights and checking out the third day to fly back to Singapore for our connection to Brisbane Australia. Not sure if we we qualify for the 144 hour free visa or do we need a tourist visa,
2020-01-09 13:33
Hi Colin,
Your citizenship, travel route, planed port of entry & exit, stay area and duration are all qualified for the 144 Hour Transit Visa Free Policy. You may apply for an Temporary Entry Permit at the cruise port in Tianjin and visit Tianjin and Beijing for not exceeding 144 hours, then return home from Beijing Capital
International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport. Visa will be exempted for your short layover. There is no need to apply and pay to get a regular visa.
Here is our most popular 2 Days Beijing Visa-free Tour covering best highlights in Beijing. https://www.chinadiscovery.com/beijing-tours/2-days-visa-free-beijing-stopover-tour.html. We can also customize Tianjin Beijing Tour package with cruise port pick-up service.Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need one.

Wish everything goes well and have a nice day!
144 hour transit visa
We are travelling to Shanghai from Brisbane on 30/4/2020 to board a cruise from Shanghai to Singapore on 2/5/2020, The first port of call after Shanghai is Bussan South Korea. I believe that we qualify for the 144 transit visa after we inform the airline company of our desire and travel arrangements re the cruise. Is this correct that we qualify and the arrangements as stated is right so we can attend the special area in the shanghai airport for a passport visa stamp
2020-01-05 14:34
Hi Graeme,
If you do hold a valid Australian passport, absolutely, you are qualified to apply the 144-Hour Transit Visa Free in Shanghai. After landing at the airport, you need to walk to the special area to get a “Temporary Entry Permit”to enter Shanghai. Here is a useful link you can fill in the application online: https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/ka144/default.jsp. And, don’t forget to register accommodation within 24 hours after check-in.

Wish you enjoy your short break in Shanghai and the whole journey as well!
144 hour free visa transit
We are from the USA and will be traveling to England than a flight to Shanghai on 3/2/20 where we will be staying in a hotel until 3/5/20. We then leave Shanghai on an 8 day cruise to Japan. On 3/13/20 we arrive back in Shanghai until 3/16/20 when we fly back to England and then home to the US. I wanted to know if we need a tourist visa for China or if we can use the free visa transit.
2020-01-04 05:42
Hi Ken,

Thanks for your message.Yes, your travel plan applies to the free visa transit. You also need to notify the carrier that you would apply for the 144-Hour Visa-free Transit when boarding. They will convey your need to the immigration office. If you need a worry free Shanghai essence tour, please feel free to contact us, or find a suitable tour package here https://www.chinadiscovery.com/shanghai-tours.html
Which exit railway station from Guangzhou to which Shenzhen railway station, and which Shenzhen port to Macau on 144 Hours Free Visa Zone
We are United Kingdom passport holders travel to Guangzhou via Amsterdam, arrived at Guangzhou on 05/02/2020 06.45, will travel by train to Shenzhen on 07/02/2020 then to Macau on 09/02/2020, from here we will fly to Kuala Lumpur on 11/02/2020. Could you please tell me which exit and enter railway station and port.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
2019-12-25 07:57
Hi Stephen,

Thanks for your question! According to your trip plan, you are suggested to arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and exit Shenzhen from Shenzhen Shekou Ferry Terminal. Guangzhou and Shenzhen are cities of Guangdong province and the Guangdong 144 Hours China Visa Free Transit Policy allows visitors travelling around whole Guangdong Province for no more than 6 days without applying a Chinese Visa. Therefore, you can travel from any railway station in Guangzhou to Shenzhen. There is no limitation about that. And when you travel from Shenzhen to Macau, you are required to exit from one of the appointed ports, like Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Shenzhen Shatoujiao Port, Wenjindu Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian Port, Zhuhai Gongbei Port, Zhuhai Hengqin Port, Shenzhen Shekou Ferry Terminal, Shenzhen Fuyong Port, etc. You are more advised to catch a ferry at Shenzhen Shekou Ferry Terminal. The ferry journey needs only about 70-80 minutes.

You may want more transportation info from Shenzhen to Macau, please visit:
https://www.chinadiscovery.com/greater-bay-area-tours/shenzhen-to-macau.html

Besides, if you still feel trouble about your coming tour, please feel free to contact us and let our experienced travel consultants help you. Choose the travel consultant you like, and he or she will take care of the rest, including the transportation, hotel, restaurants, tour guide, etc.

Hope this helps and welcome to China!
do i put vietnam or hong kong ?
Im applying for the 144 hr visa. I arrive from New Zealand to Shanghai on Monday 16th December and leave for Vietnam via Hong Kong on HK airlines on Thursday 19th December . On the visa application do I put Vietnam or Hong Kong as my intended departure destination? .
Thanks,
Linda
2019-12-12 17:08
Hi Linda,
If you hold passport of New Zealand (with a validity of at least 6 months) and plan to fly to Vietnam 3 days later. You are absolutely qualified to apply 144 hour transit visa exemption in Shanghai after arrival. Since Vietnam is your terminal, Hong Kong is only a stopover point, you’re suggested to take Vietnam as the intended final destination. Immigration officer will check your passport and leaving air ticket to make sure you only transit for a short period. So don’t worry, just present the related ticket and document and reply the inquiries.
Wish you everything goes well! We’re always ready to help.
Best Regards,
Visa query
Hello I am flying from London to Kuala Lumpur, then not Australia, we return from Australia and stop in Beijing for 5 days arriving at Beijing capital airport, we leave from daxing airport back to London . Can I apply for the 144hr visa?
2019-11-26 22:15
Hi Steve,
According to the latest news, now you can apply for 144 hour transit visa free at Beijing Daxing Airport, under the same requirements as Beijing Capital Airport. You can enter from Capital Airport and exit Beijing from the Daxing Airport in your coming trip to China.

Have a good day!

Best Regards,
Is the following 144-hr TWOV itinerary valid

Hi.

Does the 144-hour transitvisa apply for the following tourist trip?

Stockholm-Beijing 27nov-2dec
Transitflight, 2 dec: Beijing-Tokyo
(Sweden-China-Japan-Sweden)

Do we apply for the 144-hour transit visa at our arrival at the Beijing Int. Airport?

Thanks!
2019-11-21 21:24
Hi Andreas,
Deeply sorry for late reply!
If your air travel route is: Sweden (Stockholm) --> Beijing --> Japan -->Sweden, you can apply for the 144 hour transit visa free if only you enter via Beijing Capital International Airport. You can make application at the airport after arrival. However, so far, the new Beijing Daxing Airport hasn’t used as entry port for the free entry (guess coming very soon). That means you can’t get transit visa exempted at Daxing Airport.
Wish you everything goes well!

Best Regards,
Qualified for 144 hour transit Visa Exemption?

I'm a U.S. citizen planning for a trip to China. Am I qualified for this 144-hr VISA free transit?
I plan to have a holiday in Sanya (Hainan) but consider transiting at Beijing (will just stay for a few hours) for a cheaper flight.
According to the above description, it seems that I am qualified but Hainan is not a third country. Since Hainan is similar to Hong Kong or Macau in terms of Visa requirements, I guess I can take advantage of this exemption but I'd like to confirm this before booking the flight. Thank you in advance for your help!
2019-11-10 16:07
Hi friend,
Is your travel route: US ->Beijing ->Hainan -?
First, you should know the Transit Visa Exemption in Beijing is totally different from the free entry of Hainan.
If you transit in Beijing and then fly to Hainna, then you’re not qualified to get the Transit Visa Free since Hainan is part of mainland China, operating different visa policy unlike Hong Kong and Macau. Your next destination after Beijing must be a third country or region, if you want to apply TWOV in Beijing (example: US -> Beijing ->HK/ Singapore).
However, guess you mainly plan to visit Hainan without visa, so you better skip Beijing, otherwise, you need to apply and hold a transit visa before departure. (Route: US -> Hainan is OK!!)

Wish it helps, and enjoy your Hainan tour!

Best Regards,
Travel Routes From Australia
Hello there,

My family & I are heading on a cruise in March leaving from Shanghai going to Japan for 8 days, I was told that I can utilize the visa exemption both before and after the cruise as I am going: Australia - China - Japan (cruise) - China - Australia... Is this correct?

I was just wondering which travel route would be eligible under the visa exemption:

Brisbane - Guangzhou - Shanghai - (Cruise Ship to Japan) - Shanghai - Guangzhou - Brisbane

OR would we need to go:

Brisbane - Sydney/Singapore/Hong Kong - Shanghai - (Cruise Ship to Japan) - Shanghai - Sydney/Singapore/Hong Kong - Brisbane

Would either of those be possible?

Thanks so much for your help!
2019-11-06 05:52
Hi, Ayden,
Indeed, China has implemented the 144 Hour Transit Visa Exemption in Shanghai, Guangzhou and many cities, but you can only apply and visit one city (or region) in one single trip. So the first travel route doesn’t meed the requirements. As for the second one, it’s qualified, both for the first trip and the returning trip.
Hope this helps! And if you have more problems, you’re free to contact us for more advice!
Have a good day!

Best Regards,
Is this 144-hr TWOV itinerary for Malaysia -> China okay?
Hi Caroline: I am a U.S. citizen, contemplating an extended trip to Malaysia and China early next year. Is this itinerary okay to qualify for the "144-hr TWOV":

Option 1: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) -> Chongqing (2 days) -> Chengdu (6 days) -> Shanghai (6 days) - > Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)? [Home city: San Francisco.]

Option 2: How about if I eliminate the Shanghai stop, and just visit Chongqing and Chengdu [from Malaysia]?

Thanks in advance for your prompt reply,
Henry H. Fong
2019-11-05 02:46
Hi Henry,

Sorry to tell u that, your travel route doesn’t meet the application. Because the 144 Hour Transit Visa Free allows one-time transit in one city or one region in a single trip, and also the departure country should be different from the onward destination.
If your trip route is: Kuala Lumpur --> Chongqing or Chengdu --> San Francisco, then you can apply 144 hour visa free in Chongqing or Chengdu.
Hope this helps!And have a good day!

Best Regards,
Beijing Daxing Airport - 144 hour visa free?
Is the new Beijing Daxing Airport one of the 144 hour visa free places of entry and exit for Beijing? If so, you need to update your webpage. Please advise.
2019-10-28 16:39
Hi David,

Thanks for your kind reminding.
We checked with the Immigration Authority lately, yes,Beijing Daxing Airport has become a new port implemented the 144 Hour Transit Visa Free. The application requirements and processes are the same to that in Beijing Capital Airport. Wish this good news helps you better plan your China tour.

Have a good day and best wishes for you!
Is it valid to visit twice on a routing ?
Hello,

Can we travel France - Shanghai - Macau - Shanghai - France ?
(We are Swiss and live in Switzerland if that matters)

Thanks in advance, Pierre.
2019-09-29 14:12
Hi Pierre,
There is no limitation of how many times foreign travelers can use the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit. As long as your passport and route meet related regulations, of course, you can apply the free entry for both trips. Remember to check your the validity of your passport and get ready the departing ticket.
Enjoy your coming tour and have a good day.
144 transit visa
From UK to HongKong (stop over) to Xiamen to Seoul to UK. Able to get 144 transit visa in Xiamen?
2019-09-10 07:43
Hi Friend,
Guess you hold a UK passport, right? If yes, then you are eligible to get 144 hour s transit visa free in Xiamen, because your travel route also qualifies. Prepare your valid passport and flight ticket to Seoul when applying at the airport or cruise terminal. It’s very simple and easy!
Wish you enjoy your holiday in Xiamen.
Best Regards,
Round trip purchase with outside travel
I notice that round trip tickets to China is a lot cheaper. I would like to do a trip NYC to Shanghi to Manila to Korea to Shanghi to NYC. Would I be able to use the 144 transit visa?
2019-09-08 02:28
Hi Marcus,

If you hold a US passport which a validity of at least 3 months, of course, your travel plan is qualified for 144 hour visa free transit in Shanghai. Just make sure your flights will depart from Shanghai within 144 hours.
Here is our detailed guide about application: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/shanghai-visa-free.html and popular Shanghai tours recommended for you https://www.chinadiscovery.com/shanghai-tours.html.

Wish you enjoy layover trip in Shanghai, and have a good day.

Best Regards,
Route Checking
Hello!
I hold Dutch passport, and would like to double check the following route is allowed to 144 Hours China Visa Free Transit?
Taipei -> Dongguan (enter through Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport) -> Hong Kong (depart from Luohu Port) -> Taiepi
Many thanks for your response in advance!
2019-08-27 16:38
Of course you can take the MTR, which is also strongly suggested and used for most Shenzhen-Hong Kong travelers, for it’s very convenient and a seamless transit option.
One more question:
Is it only allowed to take bus when I leave from Luohu Port to Hong Kong? Can I take MRT East Rail Line (Luohu->Hung Hom)?
Hi Lin,
Your nationality is on the list of qualified 53 countries, travel route and ports of entry and exit also meet relevant regulations. Yes, you are eligible to apply 144 hours transit visa free in Shenzhen Bao’an Airport as long as you take valid passport and bus tickets leaving from Shenzhen to Hong Kong and go through a few paper work at the airport after arrival. But you need to understand that, the final decision is made by the border immigration officer.
Wish you good luck!
can I apply transit visa in Shanghai airport if 144hour visa free transit is rejected?
I will travel in December from Australia - Shanghai -Spain with all validated doc and also booked hotel in Shanghai for 3 nights already. Only concern I have is when I visited Shanghai last year, I stayed with my sister home for overnight, then attended university gathering in the other city and stayed in the hotel for two nights. That means report to local authority more than 24 hours. Have I had "violation of accommodation registration and caused serious cases in China within 2 years"? If I got reject for 144hours visa free transit, can I apply transit visa in Shanghai airport? thanks
2019-08-27 12:14
Hi Qin,
Official policy says people are not allowed to apply for 144 hour transit visa free if he/she both violated temporary accommodation registration and made serious cases within last 2 years. It’s hard to say your previous record will lead a future refusal, because your circumstances was relatively minor. Therefore, you still have chance to get 144 hour visa free in Shanghai, that all depends on the judgement of immigration officer on the spot.
Sorry to tell you that, if denied, you can’t apply transit visa in airport, that should be done from Chinese Embassy abroad before arrival.
Wish you good luck and get the free entry as expected!
144 - hours visa free transit
Hi Caroline,
I planning for a cruise trip, the itinerary start from Hong Kong then to Xiamen port, will be enter and exit on the same date. Continue to Shanghai for another 2 days, then go to Japan, Taiwan and return to Hong Kong. I am holding a US passport. Please advise could I apply for the Visa free transit at Xiamen and Shanghai respectively?
2019-08-27 02:47
Hi Peter,
Both Xiamen and Shanghai has 144 hour visa free transit policies. However, you can not apply two visa free transit in one single cruise trip, because the 144 hour visa free transit requires your last departing place different from the following destination.
Our advice is first apply 24 hour visa free transit in Xiamen, since you will enter and exit on the same day. And then join in a tour group organized by Shanghai travel agency to get free entry. The maximum visa free stay in Shanghai can be 15 days. Please note that you already visit Xiamen, China before Shanghai, your travel route Xiamen (China) - Shanghai (China) - Japan is not qualified for 144 hour visa free transit. Better use another 15-day free visa to enter Shanghai.
Here is guide of Shanghai 15 Day Free Visa: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/exemptions/shanghai-15-day-visa-free.html.
Hope this helps and best wishes!
Australia Hong Kong Guangzhou Hong Kong Australia
Hello
Would the following apply for the 144 hour VISA exemption?
Adelaide Australia fly to Hong Kong
Train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou
Guangzhou train to Hong Kong
Fly home from Hong Kong to Adelaide Australia
2019-08-09 15:26
Hi Katie,
Sorry to tell you that, your travel route is not eligible for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit, though you come from a qualified country.
Two points to know.
First, your route: Australia --> Hong Kong -->Guangzhou -->Hong Kong --> Australia, the last and next destination of Guangzhou - Hong Kong is the same, while the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit requires they should be different. Second, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is the only entry port for arrival in Guangzhou, so the Hong Kong-Guangzhou train makes it impossible.
If you want to get 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangzhou and travel Hong Kong together, we suggest you fly to Guangzhou from Australia directly, and then transfer to Hong Kong via one appointed port (3 available options: take fight from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to HK, take Guangzhou-Kowloon Through Train from Guangzhou East Railway Station, or take ferry from Guangzhou Lianhuashan Port or Nansha Passenger Port to HK). This route is a fully qualified schedule for your reference. Otherwise, you need to apply for a China Visa before departure.
You can find more useful infos in our Guangzhou 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit ( https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/guangzhou-visa-free.html).

Wish everything goes well and enjoy your coming trip to China:)

Best Regards,
visa unsure
hi caroline we are traveling from uk to Tokyo in October for a cruise, japan ,south korea ending in shanghai then flying to uk.we are two days in shanghai will 144 visa do and would cruise ship be able to arrange visa.
kind regards
ian
2019-08-06 23:49
Good day Mr. William,

If you hold UK passport, you can apply the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai, because your travel route meets the requirements. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months and your returning flight ticket is already booked before the shore.
Actually, the 144-Hour Visa is a kind of transit visa exemption, a visa-free privilege. Applicants usually do it by themselves. It’s very simple and convenient to get a free “Temporary Entry Permit”. You can either finish online application in advance at https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/144zy.jsp (official website of Exit & Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau), or fill in paper form at the cruise terminal port upon arrival. The former is highly recommended to save your waiting time at the port.

Wish you everything goes well and all questions are welcome.

Best Regards,
Route
Hi! My route is Poland - France - Shanghai - Netherlands - Poland. Is it ok ? Thank you.
2019-07-28 02:32
Hi Roman,

Yes, your travel route is eligible for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China. Meanwhile, you need to meet other requirements to apply the 144-Hour TWOV, including nationality on the list of 53 countries, transiting in Shanghai at one of the five ports, and holding flight ticket leaving Shanghai within 144 hours, etc.
To save your time upon arrival, we suggest you make advance application online at https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/144zy.jsp.(offcial website of Exit & Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau).
Here is our popular Shanghai tours you may refer to: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/shanghai-tours.html!
Wish you enjoy layover tour in Shanghai China. Have a good day!

Best Regards,
24 hours direct transit
13 sep23:30
DEL
Delhi
Indira Gandhi International
Terminal 3
CZ360

5h15m
14 Sep
07:15
CAN
Guangzhou
Baiyun International
Terminal 2


Connecting time 3h15m
14 Sep
10:30
CAN
Guangzhou
Baiyun International
Terminal 2
CZ3705

1h55m
14 Sep
12:25
WUH
Wuhan
Tianhe International

Connecting time 2h35m
14 Sep
15:00
WUH
Wuhan
Tianhe International
CZ659

12h15m
14 Sep
12:15
SFO
San Francisco
San Francisco International
Terminal I
Do my above trip DEL-CAN-WUH-SFO qualify for 24 hours direct transit or I have to take 24 hours permit from Gaungzhou which is my first port of entry in China. Total trip time 7:30 mins in China with layover, Indian traveling with B1/B2 visa, also I am confuse since airlines are saying me to get transit visa.
2019-07-18 15:29
Hi, Samir,

After checking with the Guangzhou frontier inspection staff, your transit routes are eligible for 24-Hour Direct Visa-Free Transit. The 24 TWOV Program allows two layovers in China as long as applicants hold valid passports and flight tickets to 3rd country or region, and transit in China within 24 hours. You can apply Transit Visa Exemption at both Guangzhou and Wuhan Airports. Upon arrival, Immigration Officers will check your documents and verify your background to decide whether approve your transit visa free stopover.
Enjoy your trip and good luck!

Best Regards,
144 hr visa waiver
Hello, I am holidaying from the Uk , stopover to Dubai for 3 days then fly to Beijing for total 120 hrs, depart Tianjin port cruise for 12 nights, first port stop Japan and cruise for 12 nights are we eligible for the 144 hr Visa waiver thank you for your time in this matter, kind regards Dot.
2019-07-17 00:39
Hi Dot,
Based on information you gave, yes, you are qualified to apply 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption after landing at Beijing Capital International Airport. Make sure you bring your UK passport with a validity of 3 months or above and cruise ship ticket booking when apply the free Temporary Entry Permit at the airport. Your proposed duration of stay in Beijing and exit port are completely conforming to the 144-Hour TWOV regulations.
For your 120 hour (5 days) stopover in Beijing, we have ideal and tailor-made Beijing layover tours recommended for you, which offers worry-free travel services to the best value of every minute and penny of yours. https://www.chinadiscovery.com/beijing-tours.html.
Wish you have a good time for the whole journey, and get a visa-free Beijing-Tianjin layover tour in China!
Best Regards,
72 hour visa plus 24 hour transit visas
We are arriving from Singapore 15.20hrs on the 23 September staying in Beijing. leaving for cruise to Japan 18.45hrs 25th September. But arrive back Beijing port 0700 hrs 30 September. Can we get a 72hour visa and then get a 24 hour transit visa in the same week.
2019-07-15 03:09
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your attention and trust on China Discovery.
As you mentioned, you are arriving from Singapore, so if you hold ordinary passport of Singapore, you can travel to China without applying a visa or using visa-free transit policy for up to 15 days.
If not, let’s go to the second situation.
Route 1: Singapore (fly) --> Beijing (23 Sep.) -->Tianjin (25 Sep.)--> (take cruise ) to Japan
Route 2: Japan (cruise) --> Tianjin --> Beijing (30 Sep.) --> leave
For the first section, you may apply 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit after landing in Beijing Capital Airport directly from Singapore, as long as you qualify all requirements. 72-Hour TWOV has been extended to 144 hours since December 2017. So possibly you will get a 144-Hour Temporary Entry Permit at the Beijing Capital Airport.
Under the related laws and regulations, you can also apply for 24-Hour TWOV for returning trip, if you transit in China within 24 hours with confirmed ticket leaving China to a third country or region. It’s fine to have several stopovers and transit in the same week. The most important rule is to make sure your nationality, travel routes, entry and exit port, passport and tickets are well prepared and applicable for the transit visa exemption policy.
Here is our guide of China visa-free tour for your reference: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/china-visa-free-travel.html. Wish you got two transit visa waiver as you expected and have a nice day!

Best Regards,

Have a question? Get answers from our travel experts or guests

  • Your Question:
  • Your Name:
  • Your Email:
  • Submit