Notice on Further Adjusting the Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on March 14, 2023:
In order to further facilitate the entry and exit of Chinese and foreign personnel, it has been decided to 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.
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!
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Can I travel to China without a visa? That completely depends on your own situation. At present, 15 visa-free policies have been put into force in China for foreign oridnary passport holders, which covers cases of different nationality, different transportation of entry and visiting cities. The most popular visa-free rules are the 72-Hour & 144-Hour Visa Free for international transiting tourists. As long as you meet one of the following visa waiver programs, you can travel to China without applying a China Visa.
● Nationality Requirements: Singapore, Brunei, Japan (Ordinaly Passport Holders)
● Visa-Free Stay Period: no longer than 15 days
● Entry Ports: any ports opened to foreigners
● Places can Visit: Beijing, Shanghai, any city in mainland China.
Citizens holding ordinary passport of Singapore, Brunei and Japan are visa-exempted to China, when they enter via any port opened to foreigners, and stay in mainland China for tourism, business or visiting friends/relatives for no more than 15 days. Thus, travelers can enjoy over 2-week long holiday to popular destinations in China, experience different types of glamour of Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, etc.
However, a Chinese Visa is required for Singaporean, Bruneian and Japanese, if overstaying or visiting China for other purposes, like for study, work, businesss, journalism or other activities.
● Nationality Requirements: 53 foreign countries and regions (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy...)
● Visa-Free Stay Period: 72 hours (3 days)
● Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city
● Places can Visit: the transiting city or region
● Valid Cities (22): Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang (Chaoshan), Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Qingdao, Kunming, Xiamen, Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian, Changsha.
From January 1, 2013, China implemented the 72-Hour Visa-free Transit policy for citizens of certain 45 countries in Beijing and Shanghai. Later, more countries, cities and ports were added to beneift from it. With valid travel documents and connecting (air, ship, train) tickets to a third country (or region) departing within 72 hours, foreign nationals can enjoy TWOV (Transit Without Visa), enter and travel certain Chinese cities not exceeding 72 hour (3 days), including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chengdu, in total of 22 cities. Under such policy, transit passengers must enter and exit via appointed ports (most are airports) in the valid cities, stay in permitted administrative areas within 72 hour.
Each city has different range of movement, three types are included below:
◇ Transit in Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Kunming, Harbin, Xiamen, and Wuhan - stay in the city administrative region only;
◇ Transit in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Changsha, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang, Jieyang (Chaoshan) - stay in whole province and specified regions;
◇ Transit in Xian - stay in Xian and Xian’yang.
Please visit our China 72-hour Visa-free Transit Guide to know more useful guide of requirements, application procedures, valid ports of entry, limited stay area and popular layover tours.
Recommended Visa-free Tours (Within 3 Days):
● Nationality Requirements: 53 foreign countries and regions (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand...)
● Visa-Free Stay Period:144 hours (6 days)
● Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city
● Places can Visit: the transiting city or region
● Valid Cities (20): Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Xian, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming, Qingdao, Wuhan, Jieyang (Chaoshan), Dalian, Shenyang, Qinhuangdao, Ningbo, Shijiazhuang.
Until December, 2019, in China, there are altogether 20 cities cities in top popular tourist regions offering 144-Hour Visa-free Transit policy for qualified foreigners. Applicants must come from 53 certain countries, hold connecting tickets to a third country (or region) with confirmed seats and date within 144 hours. Most cities (like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu...) has extended the previous 72-Hour TWOV to 144 hours with more ports and longer duration of stay.
The updated “no-visa” rule gives aliens greater convenience and chance to make in-depth layover tour. Please read detailed requirements, application guide, airport layover and useful tips in 144-hour Visa-free Transit Policy in China to plan a wonderful visit to China.
Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing in Yangtze River Delta were the first cities to conduct 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in China since January 30th, 2016. Ningbo in Zhejiang Province has been added from December 1, 2019. Foreigners who meet all requirements can transit and stay in Yangtze River Delta, namely, Shanghai, and any cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, without applying a Chinese Visa for up to 144 hours (6 days).
Travel Advice: visitors could spend more time appreciating the awesome highlights along the Yangtze River. It’s highly recommended to enjoy a in-depth Shanghai tour at a leisure pace, or make side trip to Hangzhou, Suzhou or other neighboring cities from Shanghai.
Ports of Entry & Exit (8): Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Ningbo Lishe International Airport.
Stay Area: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shaoxing, Jinhua, and any city in Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province.
Shanghai Jiangsu Zhejiang Administrative Region Map
Recommended Yangtze River Delta Tours:
From December 28th, 2017, China approved Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area to use 144-Hour Visa-free Transit for better serving international layovers. Once meeting all conditions, visitors may enter and exit via one of the six opened ports, visit Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province for no more than 144 hours.
Travel Advice: A 6-day visa-free Beijing Layover Tour is available. You can make a good vacation with Great Wall Hiking , visit Forbidden City and other landmarks, join in featured activities, taste local Beijing food, experience culture and history of this prosperous economic area in northeastern China.
Ports of Entry & Exit (6): Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, Qinhuangdao Port.
Stay Area: Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Zhangjiakou, Chengde and any city in Hebei Province.
Map of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
Recommended Beijing Visa-free Tours:
Guangdong followed Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu to take 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption from May 1, 2019. Transiting through international airports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang, foreigners who satisfy essential requirements may enjoy visa-free transit tour in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and all 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province, and exit from one of 32 ports in Guangdong.
Travel Advice: The policy perfectly links different kinds of tourist resources in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Grater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区) via excellent transportation system. So, you can plan a 6-day stopover tour in Guangdong, discover distinctive cityscape in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Jiangmen, and so on. Then, travel further to Macau, experienceing Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, take Guangzhou-Hong Kong Through Train to get to Hong Kong directly.
Ports of Entry (3): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan Airport.
Stay Area: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Shunde, Jiangmen, Shantou, Dongguan, and total 21 cities in Guangdong Province.
Guangdong Province MapRecommended Pearl River Delta (Guangdong) Tours:
The 144-hour Visa Free Transit to Liaoning Province was adopted on January 1st, 2018. Eligible visitors transiting in Shenyang or Dalian are allowed to visit the whole Liaoning Province, or tranfer from Shenyang or Dalian to other cities in the province, for up to 144 hours without applying a Chinese Visa.
Trave Advice: While flying through Liaoning to North Korea, Japan, you can get transit visa waiver service to explore highlights and unique Northwestern style culture and folk customs in Dalian, Shenyang and else cities in Liaoning Province.
Ports of Entry (2): Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
Stay Area: Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, Fushun, Dandong and any city in Liaoning Province.
Recommended Dalian Tours:
A. About Tickets: Before arrival, visitors should hold departing tickets with specified dates and seats to onward third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) within the 144 hours. For transit routes, your departure place to China and destination from China should be in different country or region. (Sample: Coutry A --> Mainland China --> Country B)
B. About Ports: it’s not allowed to tranfer from one region to another outside during the layover.
C. About Duration of Stay: the visa-free hour counts from 00:00 on the day after arrival, not the time of landing.
● Visa-Free Stay Period: 24 hours/1 day (within or outside the airport)
● Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city
● Places can Visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou... Most Chinese Cities
According to relevant laws and regulations, the transit visa could be exempted if a foreigner directly through China by international flight, train or ship heading for a third country (or region), and stay in China less than 24 hours. No immigration formalities are needed if he/she stay inside the entry port only. For leaving airport, or the port of entry, please apply for a "Temporary Entry Permit" without any charges from the immigration zone.
The 24-Hour Visa-free Transit applies to aliens from any countries, and most Chinese cities. If the connecting time is not urgent, visitors can take advantage of the 24- Hour TWOV to have a quick one day city tour, or visit attractions near the airport.
● Nationality Requirements: 59 foreign countries or regions (including US, UK, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia...)
● Visa-Free Stay Period: up to 30 days
● Entry Ports: Sanya Fenghuang Airport, Haikou Meilan Airport, All Ports in Hainan
● Destinations can Visit: Sanya, Haikou, all Cities in Hainan.
From May 1st, 2018, Hainan Province started to offer visa-free entry to citizens from 59 designated countries for up to 30 days. Travelers must hold valid passport, be recerived by Hainan-based travel agency, enter through one of the ports in Hainan and stay within administrative region of Hainan Province, including Sanya, Haikou, etc. (Hainan will support indepent travel by individual registration and allows more purpose of visiting soon.)
Attention that, before arrival, applicants should register with a Hainan travel agency, submitting personal and current travel informations. Then, you are free to plan a Hainan Island tour to enjoy the sunshine, beach, palm tree, sea food and passion of the beatiful island in southernmost China. More about Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Policy!
59 countries eligianle for Hainan visa-free entry includes:
America
Countries (6): the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile;
European Countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus,
Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and the Republic
of Belarus;
Oceania Countries (2): Australia and New Zealand;
Asian Countries (11): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan,
Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Recommended Sanya (Hainan) Tours:
● Visa-Free Stay Period: 144 hours (6 days)
● Entry Ports: ports in the Guangzhou, Shenzhen, any port in the 10 appointed city
● Places can Visit (10): Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, Shantou.
Foreigners from any country that has established diplomatic relations with China and has already stayed in Hong Kong or Macau can enjoy the visa-free travel to the Pearl River Delta for 6 days. Based on the 144-hour visa waiver rule, visitor can travel directly from Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou and Shantou (total 10 cities) in Guangdong Province, fully discover culture, history, architecture and food of Lingnan in Pearl River Delta. 144-Hour Visa-Free Visit to Pearl River Delta >>
Foreigners must meet all the following conditions for application:
● Holding a valid passport.
● Already staying in Hong Kong or Macau, and going to visit the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong and Macau.
● Joining a group tour of a travel agency which is registered in Hong Kong and Macau.
Note: Except the above visa-free group tour, Guangdong also provide 144-Hour Visa-free Transit for transiting travelers.
● Nationality Requirements: 10 ASEAN Countries
Singapore, Maylaysia, Thailand,
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao, Myanmar, Vietnam.
● Visa-Free Stay Period:144 hours (6 days)
● Entry Port:
● Places can Visit: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
The 6-day visa-free entry to Guilin for ASEAN tour groups was officially carried out from May, 2015. Nationals from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) can join in a travel group (at least 2 tourists) from home country, and visit Guilin for 6 days without obtaining a Chinese Visa. And Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the only port for entry and exit. 72-Hour Visa-free Transit in Guilin >>
Travel Advice: During the 6 days tour, Guilin downtown sightseeing, Li River Cruising, Longsheng Rice Terrace and Yangshuo Biking are the must-do features in Guilin.
Recommended Guilin Tours:
● Visa-Free Stay Period: 15 days
● Entry Ports: Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
● Places can Visit: the transiting city or region
● Valid Cities (3) & Provinces (9): Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing & Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangdi and Hainan.
Approved by State Council, the 15-day visa-free international cruise tour group to China firstly took effect in Shanghai since October 1st, 2016. Foreigner tour group (with at least 2 visitors) can enter Shanghai visa one of the two cruise ports in Shanghai, visit Shanghai, Beijng, Tianjin and Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fusjian, Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan in costal areas. The cruise group tour are required to be organized and arranged by travel agency legally registered in China. All tourists members shall enter and exit together at the same, at the same port. 15-Day Visa-Free Cruise Tour Groups to Shanghai >>
● Nationality Requirements: 170 foreign countries or regions (UK, USA, Canada, Australia...)
● Visa-Free Stay Period: 7 days - 180 days
● Entry Ports: Hong Kong International Airport, Cruise & Land Ports
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR) in Southeastern China has a separate visa policy different from that of mainland China. Untile now, Hong Kong SAR Visa/ Entry Permit is exempted for ordinary passport holders from about 170 foreign countries/territories. The accurate length of stay varies from nationality, ranging from 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 90 days to 180 days. More about Hong Kong Visa >>
* U.S.A Citizens. Australian, Canadian, New Zealand Citizen, French, Japanese - 90 Days / British Citizens - 180 Days
Recommended Hong Kong Tours:
● Nationality Requirements: 79 foreign countries or regions (US, UK, Canada, Malaysia...)
● Visa-Free Stay Period: 14 days - 1 year
● Entry Ports: Macau Airport, Cruise or Land Ports
Like Hong Kong, Macau SAR also operate visa waiver grogram for nationals of 79 countries when they visit Macau for tourism or business matters. Foreigners coming form European Union and Schengen Agreement, are allowed to stay in Macau visa fee for up to 90 days, while visa-exempted stay in 14 days for Brunei citizens and 30 days for regular visitors. More about Macau Visa >>
*UK Citizen - 6 Months / New Zealand Citizen - 3 Months / Ameican, Canada, Austria, France, German, Italy Citizen - 30 days
● Nationality Requirements: 14 foreign countries (Fiji, Grenada, San Marino, Qatar, Tango, Serbia...)
● Visa-Free Stay Period: 30 days - 90 days
● Entry Ports: any ports in mainland China
● Places can Visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Any City in Mainland China.
Up to now, China and 144 countries have concluded agreements on mutual visa exemption. Please note that, ordinary passport holders from exclusive 14 countries can enjoy the privilege only, while other cases applies to diplomatic or official passport holders. The visa-free stay is at a maximum of 30 days, 60 days and 90 days for different nationality.
Download the Full List of 144 Foreign Countries Signed Bilateral Agreement with China here! Click China Mutual Visa Exemption Guide to get detailed guide.
● Nationality Requirements: Citizens of 21 APEC Countries
● Visa-Free Stay Period: up to 60 days per entry
● Entry Ports: any ports in Mainland China
● Places can Visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou...Most Chinese Cities
When visiting China, the APEC Business Travel Card equates to a 5-year multiple-entry Chinese Visa (valid for business entry only). Business visitors from 21 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) countries may enter China many time during the validity, as long as he take valid passport. And the permitted stay of each entry is 60 days at most.
The PRC Foreigner’s Permanent Residence ID Card is considered as the “Green Card” in China, allowing foreign holders reside in China without limitation of entries and staying period, and enjoy same treatment as Chinese citizens. The newest version (updated in 2017) serves like 2nd-generation ID card, which could be used in all occasions, such as booking train tickets, hotels, open account in banks, etc.
The Residence Permit is of PRC is issued to foreign holders of D, Z, J1, Q1, S1 or X1 visa, and other long-term Chinese Visas needing 1 year and above stay in China. Aliens holding China Residence Permit are free of new visa application, because the permit already grants double or multiple entries. If you hold the D, Z, J1, Q1, S1 or visa with special requirements, you need to apply for the Residence Permit from local Public Security Authorities within 30 days upon arrival.
Certain visa-free policies are valid in some Chinese border areas. Russian citizens in Amur Oblast are allowed to have 1-day visa-free tour in Heihe (黑河, Heilongjiang Province), and Russian tour group with at least 2 members can visit Suifenhe (绥芬河, Heilongjiang Province) without obtaining a Chinese Visa. Kazakhstan citizens may get 3-day visa-free travel to Tacheng (塔城, Xinjiang).
Except the mentioned visa free situations, other foreign visitors are required to apply for a visa for travel to China from oversea Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Before submission, confirm a right visa type (China L Visa is for tour), number of entry you need based on your travel plan and understand visa validity, duration of stay and related visa information.
To apply for a China Visa, each applicant should prepare needed documents (valid passport, filled visa application form, photos, flight ticket and hotel booking, invitation letter, visa fees...) and submit at the Embassy’s visa office or visa center.
Nowadays, taking advantage of the 144-Hour or 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit is a very excellent and popular idea to have a short trip to China without paying large mount of fees and engaged in tedious paperwork. Just take passport and ticket leaving the transit city, it’s fast and convenient to get 3 or 6-day visa-free entry permit at the airport. Then it’s your free time to enjoy a visa-free travel in major destinations, like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen, etc. Thus, a dream tour to China Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Li River, Giant Panda can be realized simply.
China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any support & help you need to travel to China. Except Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Nanjing, Qingdao are also 144-Hour Visa-free Transit cities. If you have a layover in Xian, Guilin, Chongqing, Harbin, 72-Hour Visa-free Transit is available for your. Without applying a visa, you can fulfill your dream tour to China, visiting the great cultural, historical, natural landscape. Just contact us, tell your interests and travel plans, we could arrange a perfect China tour as you requested.
Travel with China Discovery! Please don't hesitate to contact us now to have a tailor-made visa-free tour to explore vast and beautiful China!
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Apply to Beijing Transit Visa Free Policy, including airport pick and drop off. You will make best discovery of top best cultural and historical highlights of Beijing Capital City without missing the hiking experience on Great Wall!
Perfect for people who are on business, layover with the 144-hour visa free transit. You will take a short 2-day trip to savor the essence of Guangzhou, like Lingnan culture, old commercial history, modern urban view, fresh and delicious Cantonese food!
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Cover all the highlighted attractions as well as panda volunteer program.
The 6-day memorible trip package to explore the splendid east China cities with poetic beauty - Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou with slow laid-back moments at traditional antique Wuzhen Water Town!
Three top three destinations in GBA with abundant and amazing cultural experience.
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.
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