Introduction
China is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes, it’s no wonder that millions of tourists visit the country every year. However, many travelers are often deterred by the complicated visa application process. Fortunately, China now offers visa-free transit policies, which allow travelers to stay in certain cities without a visa for up to 144 hours or 72 hours. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at China Visa Free Transit and what you need to know before your next trip to China.
What is China Visa Free Transit?
China Visa Free Transit is a policy that allows travelers from certain countries to visit China without a visa for a limited period of time. This policy is available in select cities and is intended for travelers who are passing through China on their way to another country.
There are two types of visa-free transit policies available in China:
144-hour visa-free transit
The 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 53 countries to stay in China for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa. This policy is available in select cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an.
72-hour visa-free transit
The 72-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 53 countries to stay in China for up to 72 hours (3 days) without a visa. This policy is available in select cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an.
Who is eligible for China Visa Free Transit?
Travelers from 53 countries are eligible for China Visa Free Transit. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries.
In order to be eligible for visa-free transit, travelers must have a valid passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan are considered third regions).
How to apply for China Visa Free Transit
There is no need to apply for China Visa Free Transit in advance. Travelers can simply arrive at one of the eligible airports and apply for the visa-free transit upon arrival.
When arriving at the airport, travelers must inform the immigration officer that they are applying for visa-free transit and provide their passport and onward ticket. The immigration officer will then stamp the traveler’s passport with a visa-free transit stamp, which allows them to stay in China for the designated period of time.
Important things to know
Cities eligible for visa-free transit
As mentioned earlier, visa-free transit is only available in select cities in China. The cities that offer 144-hour visa-free transit include:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Chengdu
- Xi’an
- Chongqing
- Shenyang
- Dalian
- Qingdao
- Kunming
- Wuhan
- Xiamen
- Hangzhou
- Guilin
- Harbin
- Nanjing
- Changsha
The cities that offer 72-hour visa-free transit include:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Chengdu
- Xi’an
- Chongqing
- Shenyang
- Dalian
- Qingdao
- Kunming
- Wuhan
- Xiamen
- Hangzhou
- Guilin
- Harbin
- Nanjing
- Changsha
Restrictions on travel
While China Visa Free Transit is a convenient option for travelers, it does come with some restrictions. Travelers must stay within the designated cities and cannot leave the area during their stay.
Additionally, travelers must depart from the same airport they arrived at. For example, if a traveler arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport, they must depart from the same airport when leaving China.
Other requirements
In addition to having a valid passport and onward ticket, travelers must also meet certain other requirements in order to be eligible for visa-free transit. These requirements include:
- Travelers must not have a layover in any other Chinese cities before arriving at the eligible city
- Travelers must not have any other restrictions on their passport or travel documents
- Travelers must comply with all Chinese immigration and customs regulations
Conclusion
China Visa Free Transit is a great option for travelers who are passing through China on their way to another country. By allowing visitors to stay in select cities without a visa for up to 144 hours or 72 hours, China has made it easier than ever to explore this fascinating country. Just make sure to check the eligibility requirements and restrictions before your trip to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
