June 26, 2024

Countries Eligible for China’s Transit Visa

As of 2024, citizens from the following countries are eligible for China’s transit visa policies:

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit:

  • Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
  • Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, USA.
  • Asia: Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Singapore, UAE, Qatar.
  • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
  • Other: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus.

These travelers can stay in China for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided they enter and exit through specific cities and meet the transit requirements​ (Wego Travel Blog)​​ (China Briefing)​​ (China Highlights)​​ (China Briefing)​​ (That’s Mags)​.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Transit Visa

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that your nationality is eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit and ensure that you are transiting to a third country (i.e., your travel itinerary should include China as a layover between two different countries).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documents:

  • A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
  • A confirmed onward ticket to a third country within the allowed transit period.
  • A visa for the third country if required.

Step 3: Apply Upon Arrival

Upon arrival at one of the designated entry points (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), go to the visa-free transit counter and present your documents. The immigration officer will process your entry and provide a temporary entry permit.

Step 4: Explore China

With your transit visa, you can now explore the permitted areas within the transit cities. Make the most of your 144-hour stay by visiting local attractions, sampling Chinese cuisine, and experiencing the culture.

Step 5: Exit China Within the Allowed Time

Ensure you leave China within the 144-hour period. Failure to exit on time may result in fines or other penalties. Plan your activities and travel arrangements accordingly.

Important Tips and Information

  • Stay Duration: Do not exceed the 144-hour limit.
  • Travel Restrictions: Stay within the designated transit areas.
  • Documentation: Always carry your passport and travel documents.
  • Local Laws: Be aware of and respect local laws and customs.

Conclusion

While China’s transit visa policies open the door to short-term stays, what you do with those precious 72 or 144 hours makes all the difference. Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, we invite you to experience Beijing the way locals do — through hidden alleys, bustling food markets, and hands-on cultural moments.

At Our Beijing, our team not only curates unique, bookable experiences for travelers — like bike tours through the hutongs, immersive foodie adventures, and interactive cultural workshops — but we’re also constantly exploring the city ourselves, uncovering the gems that don’t show up on guidebooks.

If you’re planning a short stay under a transit visa, check out our custom itineraries designed for 1-3 day visits — thoughtfully crafted to make the most of your limited time in the city.

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