144-hour Visa-Free Transit in China

China has several different visa-free transit programs, also known as visa-free transit (TWOV). The most common one is a 72-hour, but some Chinese cities now allow many passport holders to stay for 144 hours visa free.

It allows travelers from 53 countries or territories to transit in the provinces for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa. Note that you must be from and leaving a different country to qualify.

The 53 Qualified Countries:

1. 24 Schengen Agreement 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.

2. 15 Other European Countries: Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco.

3. 6 American countries: United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

4. 2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand

5. 6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar

Where Can You Get the 144-hour Visa-free?

Requirements：

1. Your valid passport or other international travel document

2. A completed entry/exit application form that complies with the entry requirements of the third destination country

3. A ticket to a third country. The seat and date on the ticket have been confirmed, valid for 144 hours, through the above qualified port transfer to a third country.

Restrictions：

1. Passengers are required to hold an air ticket to a third country, indicating their seat and date on the ticket, and a valid visa to a third country or region.

2. Passengers must arrive and depart from designated ports of entry.

3. The stopover time is 144 hours, but it will be calculated starting from 0:00 the next morning.

How to Apply for 144-hour Visa-free Transit：

1. The carrier must be notified before arrival so that they can forward your request to the immigration office for processing.

2. Fill in the entry/exit application form.

3. Apply for a 144-hour transit permit after arrival. After it’s been approved, a stop stamp will be placed on your passport to indicate the length of time allowed.

4. Declare your baggage.

5. Go through customs formalities.

6. After you finish the formalities, you can leave the airport.

How to Calculate the 144-hour Stay?

The official time begins at 0 o 'clock the day after the passenger arrives. That is, the allowed stay time is actually more than 144 hours. For example, if you arrive at 08:00 on Feb. 18. The 144-hou starts at 24:00 on Feb. 19.

Notice

Upon arrival, apply for an entry permit at the 144-hour visa-free counter at the immigration control station.

The permit will be stamped on your passport indicating the length of stay allowed. If you have a visa to China but don't want to use it this time, please tell the staff.