Last updated: 14 October, 2024

China has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists around the world. Recently, to accommodate this growing interest, China has introduced several flexible visa policies, making it easier for travelers to visit the country. In this blog, we'll explore China's updated visa policies, including the 144-hour visa-free transit (Transit without a visa) and the new 15-day visa-free policy for citizens of specific countries.

1. The 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Overview: The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is an excellent option for short-term visitors passing through China. This policy allows travelers from eligible countries to stay in certain cities for up to 144 hours (6 days) without needing a tourist visa.

Eligibility: This policy applies to travelers from 54 countries, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., most European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and others.

Cities and Regions Offering 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Transit without a visa - TWOV): This policy applies to multiple regions in China, including:

• Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei Province

• Shanghai, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province

• Guangdong Province (including Guangzhou, Shenzhen)

• Chongqing, Sichuan Province

• Liaoning Province (Shenyang and Dalian)

How It Works: To qualify, travelers must:

• Be in transit to a third country (i.e., you cannot use the policy if your travel begins and ends in the same country). e.g. it has to be A-B-C while B is any of those cities listed above.

• Present a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 144 hours.

• Enter and exit through specified ports (airports or sea ports) where the policy is in place.

• You must also only stay in the same area of the port of entry.

Eligible Countries:

Europe:

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

16 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco, Norway

America:
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

Asia:
Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar

On arrival, follow the instructions in the ports to apply for the 144-hour transfer without a visa. You will need:

• A valid passport issued by any of the 54 countries mentioned above

• Visa for a third country or region

• A fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender)

• An onward ticket to the third country with a confirmed seat is needed

• Note: you are not allow to leave the region where you enter from the ports.

2. The New 15-Day Visa-Free Policy for Selected Countries

China has introduced a 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of various countries. This is an exciting development for many European, Oceanian, and other countries' travelers, allowing them to explore China more easily without the hassle of obtaining a visa beforehand.

Eligible Countries: As of 15 October 2024, citizens from the following countries can enjoy the 15-day visa-free stay:

• Europe: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, Slovenia, Norway

• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

• Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand

Important Points to Remember:

• This policy is limited to tourism and short-term visits, do not apply for working or studying purposes.

• Travelers must have a return or onward ticket.

• A confirmed accommodation booking or travel itinerary might be required at entry.

Sources:
Euro News - 2 Oct 2024
Schengen News - 10 Sep 2024
China Briefing China Visa Poligy Update - 10 Sep 2024
State Concil gov.cn - 7 May 2024

Note: Various policies also apply to Cruise Ports and Hainan, are not mentioned in this article.

3. Why do These Changes Matter for Travelers and Expats who live in China?

Convenience and Flexibility:

These visa-free options provide travelers and expats’ families more flexibility when planning trips to visit China. Whether you're on a layover or exploring the country's famous landmarks, these policies save time and effort and an extension is possible.

China's efforts to streamline its visa process align with its growing focus on boosting inbound tourism and economic ties with Europe, Oceania, and other regions. This could lead to more seamless travel experiences and stronger cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world.

“We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, enjoy the beautiful landscape and experience the charm of the country," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeperson.

4. Practical Tips for Travelers

• Documentation: Ensure you carry all necessary documents, including a passport valid for at least six months, onward or return flight tickets, and accommodation details.

• Plan Your Stay: Although you can enter visa-free for a certain number of days, make sure your trip aligns with these time limits and regulations to avoid penalties or overstaying. Don’t be this bad example.

• Stay Updated: Visa policies may change frequently, so it’s essential to check the latest updates from official Chinese embassies or government websites before traveling.

I hope this blog helps you and your family decide when and how long to visit China. As an experienced travel planner, I am happy to assist you when you are planning your visits to Shanghai and the nearby cities. If you spot any mistake, please feel free to leave me a comment below or drop me an email: genie@genieyip.com

Thank you for reading, and feel free to share this article to let more people know about the latest updates as of now (Oct 15, 2024). I will do my best to keep things updated on this blog.

Disclaimer: Visa rules can change and may have specific requirements. This blog is accurate as of the publication date. The website is not liable for changes in visa regulations or entry denials. Always consult official government sources or Chinese embassies for the most current visa information before traveling to determine your eligibility to enter and travel within China.