FAQ

Q: How is the 144-hour transit visa exemption time calculated?

A: After receiving a temporary entry permit from the border inspection authorities, passengers can stay in the designated administrative area without a visa for 144 hours starting from 0:00 on the day following their entry.

Q: If I meet the conditions for the 144-hour transit visa exemption, how do I apply for it?

A: Present your valid entry and exit documents along with a connecting ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours to the transportation check-in staff. The transportation personnel in charge will report to the border inspection station before arriving at the designated port, as stipulated. After verification and approval, the border inspection station will process your application for the 144-hour transit visa exemption.

Q: If I do not purchase an outbound ticket upon entry and plan to buy one to a third country within 144 hours after arrival, can I apply for the 144-hour transit visa exemption?

A: No. According to regulations, applicants for the 144-hour transit visa exemption must possess a connecting flight ticket with a confirmed date and seat, meaning you must have purchased your departure ticket before entering the country.

Q: If I arrive in a Chinese city that implements the 144-hour transit visa exemption and have booked a return ticket to my country (region) of origin within 144 hours with a confirmed date and seat, can this policy be applied?

A: No. According to regulations, the 144-hour transit visa exemption policy is intended for foreigners transiting to a third country or region, hence the departure and destination countries must differ.

Q: What should I pay attention to when applying for the 144-hour transit visa exemption policy?

A: If your passport or other international travel documents are valid for less than 3 months, or if you have received a visa rejection stamp from Chinese visa authorities, or if you have a record of illegal entry, exit, residence, or employment within the last 5 years, the border inspection authorities will not issue a temporary entry permit. During your visa-free transit stay, you must comply with Chinese laws and regulations, ensuring you do not exceed the permitted stay area or duration. If staying at a hotel, the establishment will register your stay automatically. If residing elsewhere, you or your host must register with the local police station or foreign service station of the public security organ within 24 hours of arrival. Leaving the country from non-designated transit ports outside the authorized stay area or duration, or failing to register your stay as required, may result in penalties imposed by the entry-exit inspection agency or local public security agency according to the law.

Q: What should I do if I cannot leave the country within 144 hours due to special circumstances after entering with the 144-hour transit visa exemption?

A: If you need to remain in the visa-free stay area for more than 144 hours due to force majeure or other reasons, you must apply for a corresponding stay certificate from the entry-exit management department of the public security organ in accordance with regulations.

Q: What are the conditions for applying for the transit visa exemption?

1. The applicant must be a citizen of one of the 54 countries covered by the transit visa exemption.
2. The applicant must possess a valid international travel document confirming their nationality.
3. Applicants must hold a connecting flight ticket or relevant certificate to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours.