How many days can I stay under China's visa-free transit policy?
In a publicly available e-book survey questionnaire, many Australian residents have inquired about the specific provisions of China's visa-free policy for Australians such as:
- In which cities can one stay with a 144-hour visa-free transit?
- How to calculate the 144 hours?
- Which ports of entry are available?
- How to plan a trip reasonably within 144 hours?
This article will introduce and answer these questions.
Announcement from the Chinese Government Website on July 17, 2024: China has expanded its unilateral visa-free entry policy to travelers from 38 countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days. In the latest policy update announced on December 17, 2025, China has introduced more visa-free transit ports. Additionally, travelers can now visit multiple destinations within a single trip.
Update: Starting from December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration has comprehensively relaxed and optimized the visa-free transit policy, extending the stay duration for visa-free transit foreigners in the country from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days), while also adding 21 new ports of entry for visa-free transit personnel and further expanding the areas where they can stay and engage in activities.
Citizens of 54 countries can stay for up to 72 or 144 hours in the specified areas without a visa, provided they have a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward ticket with a fixed date and seat within the set time frame, for transit through the aforementioned cities to a third country (region). During their stay, they can engage in short-term activities such as tourism and temporary business visits.
In this article, I will introduce China's 144-hour entry policy.
China 24-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Currently, 41 open ports in 19 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government) implement a 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy for personnel from 54 countries.
List of 54 Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
Personnel from the aforementioned countries can apply for visa-free transit at the exit-entry border inspection authorities of the ports in the cities where China's visa-free transit policy is implemented, provided they have a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward ticket with a fixed date and seat within the set time frame for transit to a third country (region). The exit-entry border inspection authorities will process their applications and grant temporary entry procedures with a visa-free stay of 72 or 144 hours. If you are uncertain whether your country or region is within the visa-free range, you can also use the following tool to check:
China Visa Free Checker
Europe 🌍
Americas 🌎
Asia Pacific 🌏
Middle East 🌍
Please note that the translation provided is a general interpretation of the original text. Some specific details, such as the names of the countries and the exact policy details, should be verified with official sources for accuracy.
China's Visa-Free Transit Policy FAQ
What is China's visa-free transit policy?
China offers a visa-free transit policy for citizens of 54 countries, allowing them to stay in specific cities or regions for 72 or 144 hours without a visa, provided they meet certain requirements. This policy is designed to facilitate international travel and promote tourism.
Who is eligible for the visa-free transit policy?
Citizens of 54 countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, most European Union nations, and several others, are eligible for this policy. You can find the complete list of eligible countries in the provided sources.
What are the requirements for the visa-free transit policy?
To qualify for visa-free transit, you must:
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
- Possess a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region with a fixed departure date and seat within the allowed transit time (72 or 144 hours).
- Enter and exit China through designated ports of entry that support the policy.
How do I calculate the 144 hours of permitted stay?
The 144-hour period begins at 0:00 on the day following your arrival in China. For instance, if you arrive at 10:00 PM on Monday, your 144-hour stay starts at 0:00 on Tuesday and ends at 0:00 on Saturday.
Which cities can I visit under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy?
The 144-hour transit policy covers various cities and regions in China. Some key locations include:
- Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei: These three regions have a combined 144-hour transit area, allowing travel between them.
- Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang: Another combined 144-hour transit area encompassing these three regions.
- Guangdong: This province offers 144 hours of stay but with specific entry and exit port regulations.
- Other Cities: Several other cities, including Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing, and more, offer 144-hour visa-free transit within their administrative boundaries.
Where can I find a list of designated ports of entry for the visa-free transit policy?
Detailed lists of ports of entry for both 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit, categorized by region and city, are provided in the source material. Please refer to these lists for specific port information.
Can I change my travel plans during my visa-free transit stay?
It is generally not recommended to change your travel plans during your visa-free transit stay. The policy is specifically designed for travelers transiting through China. Significant changes, like changing your destination or extending your stay, might require a visa application.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on China's visa-free transit policy?
Policy details can change. It's best to confirm the latest information with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country of residence or by checking official government websites.
Visa-Free Transit Policy 41 Ports
72-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
- Hunan Province
- Eligible City: Changsha
- Eligible Port: Changsha Huanghua International Airport
- Permitted Stay Area(s): Hunan Province
- Heilongjiang Province
- Eligible City: Harbin
- Eligible Port: Harbin Taiping International Airport
- Permitted Stay Area(s): Harbin City
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Beijing Daxing International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Beijing West Railway Station
- Permitted Stay Areas: Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Tianjin International Cruise Home Port
- Permitted Stay Areas: Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Hebei Province
- Qinhuangdao Port (for passenger transport)
- Permitted Stay Areas: Hebei Province
Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang Region
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Shanghai Port (for passenger transport)
- Permitted Stay Areas: Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Exit-Entry Port of Shanghai Railway Station
- Permitted Stay Areas: Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
- Lianyungang Port (for passenger transport)
- Permitted Stay Areas: Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province
- Note: Collaborative implementation for a maximum of 144 hours stay.
Guangdong Province
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Permitted Stay Area: Guangdong Province
- Note: Entry through all 36 exit-entry ports in the province is allowed, with a stay up to 144 hours.
- Nansha Port (for passenger transport)
- Permitted Stay Area: Guangdong Province
- Note: Entry through all 36 exit-entry ports in the province is allowed, with a stay up to 144 hours.
- Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
- Permitted Stay Area: Guangdong Province
- Note: Entry through all 36 exit-entry ports in the province is allowed, with a stay up to 144 hours.
- Shekou Port (for passenger transport)
- Permitted Stay Area: Guangdong Province
- Note: Entry through all 36 exit-entry ports in the province is allowed, with a stay up to 144 hours.
Other Regions
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- Permitted Stay Area: Chongqing Municipality
- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Xi'an City, Xianyang City
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Chengdu City, Leshan City, Deyang City, Suining City, Meishan City, Yibin City, Ziyang City, Neijiang City, Zigong City, Luzhou City
- Kunming Changshui International Airport
- Permitted Stay Areas: Multiple cities in Yunnan Province
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
- Permitted Stay Area: Xiamen City
- Wuhan Tianhe International Airport
- Permitted Stay Area: Wuhan City
*Foreign nationals from these countries holding valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with information on confirmed dates and seats for transit via China to third countries or regions within specified time frames can apply for visa-free transits at the exit-entry border inspection authorities of the ports in the cities where the visa-free transit policies are in effect. The exit-entry border inspection authorities will then process their applications and grant temporary entry to the eligible foreign nationals. The duration of stay for each foreign national starts from 0:00 on the day following the day of entry.
Other gov sources links:
🌏 China's visa-free transit policy fully relaxed and optimized - gov.cn