72-Hour Visa-free Transit in China

Once meet the requirements, aliens can get a transit visa-free travel in one of 23 Chinese cities, even continue your journey to another country (region). If you are looking for transit visa waiver in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu , Chongqing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Qingdao, Shenyang, Dalian, Ningbo, please visit China 144-Hour Visa-free Transit to get more details. For transit trip to Guilin, Harbin and Changhsa, check the following guide to plan your business, travel or family trip to the cities in China.

◆ Guilin 72-Hour Visa-free Transit

From July 28, 2014, China made Guilin the 9th cities & the first prefecture-level city to carry out the 72-Hour Visa-free Transit for aliens from 51 countries. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the only port for entry and exit. After entering, foreigner are only allowed to stay administrative area of Guilin. Then it’s your free time to visit attractions in downtown Guilin, Yangshuo and Popular. If you are citizens of ASEAN member states, read 6-Day Visa-free Tour Group of ASEAN for a longer travel in Guilin.

Entry & Exit Port in Guilin: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (IATA: KWL)

Airport Introduction: The airport is the sole airport serving tourism of Guilin. It has more than 10 international (regional) airlines to Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Jeju, etc.

Most Recommended Guilin Visa-free Tours:

>> 2 Days Guilin Ideal Li River Cruise with Yangshuo Essence Tour

>> 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour - Guilin Brief Vacation

Idyllic Karst Landscape along Li River, Guilin

◆ Harbin 72-Hour Visa-free Transit

China brought the 72-Hour TWOV Policy in Harbin for nationals from 51 countries in August 1, 2015. So, Harbin is the 3rd city in Northeastern China after Shenyang & Dalian, and the 9th city in this policy. If you transit in Harbin during cold winter days, you can spend happy hours in Harbin Ice & Snow World, experience interesting skiing in Yabuli Ski Resort, Russian style architectures in St.Sophia Cathedral, and see an “Frozen” world in reality.

Entry & Exit Port: Harbin Taiping International Airport (IATA:HRB)

Airport Introduction: Harbin Airport is an international airport serving Harbin, a major hub airport in Heilongjiang Province, as well as the biggest international aviation port in Northeastern China. It is an important transit station between Asian and North American airline routes. International destinations linked include Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Jeju, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Cheongju, and Moscow, Yakutsk, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg in Russia.

Most Recommended Harbin Visa-free Tours:

>> 3 Days Classic Harbin Winter Tour

>> 3 Days Harbin Ice Festival Tour

Beatiful Snow and Ice World in Harbin

◆ Changsha 72-Hour Visa-free Transit

Since January 1, 2016, Changsha began to implement 72-Hour Visa-free Transit. Changsha Huanghua International Airport is the one and only port valid in the rule. Different from other cities, transiting travelers can visit and stay in Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town (Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture) and any city in Hunan Province.

Entry & Exit Port: Changsha Huanghua International Airport (IATA: CSX)

Most Recommended Changsha Visa-free Tours:

>> 3 Days Best Changsha Tour with Chairman Mao’s Hometown Visit

Orange Island with Mao's Stone Statue in Changsha

◆ Xian 72 Hour Visa-free Transit (Already Extended to 144 Hours since Dec. 2019!)

Approved by the State Council, Xian became the 8th city in China operated the 72-Hour Transit Visa Exemption for 51 foreign countries (later unified to 54 countries), since June 1, 2014. Visitor who meet relevant requirements may enter from Xian Xianyang Airport, stay within Xian and Xianyang for no more than 72 hours without applying a Chinese Visa, and leave from Xianyang Airport.

It’s very convenient to take advantage of the no-visa rule to enjoy a classic Xian City tour. During the short layover, you can visit archaeological wonder of Terracotta Warriors, view cultural & historical treasure in Shaanxi History Museum, bike on the Xian Ancient City Wall, satisfy your taste bud in Muslim Quarter in Xian. And, you can have a side trip to Xianyang, explore more Chinese ancient tombs there.

Entry & Exit Port in Xian: Xian Xianyang International Airport (IATA: XIY)

Airport Introduction: Xian Xianyang International Airport is the largest air hub in Northwest China. So far, it has opened 64 international (regional) airlines, connecting 54 cities in 29 countries. The connected international destinations include Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Busan, Helsinki, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Jeju, Bangkok, Male, Almaty, Osaka, Phuket, etc.

Most Recommended Xian Visa-free Tours:

>> 2 Days Xian City Break

>> 3 Days Classic Xian Tour

Foreigners Riding Bikes on Ancient City Wall

Terracotta Warriors

◆ Guangzhou 72 Hour Visa-free Transit (Already Extended to 144 Hours since May. 2019!)

Guangzhou, as the third city, started the 72 Hour Transit Visa Waiver Policy for 45 nationals since August 1, 2013. Qualified travelers may enter and exit Guangzhou from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and are allowed to visit Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan and all cities in Guangzhou Province. During the 3-day transit, you could visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park and else landmarks in Guangzhou, or pay a visit to Shenzhen and nearby cities. 6-day Visa-free Group Tour in Pearl River Delta from HK/Macau>>

Entry & Exit Port in Guangzhou: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (IATA: CAN)

Airport Introduction: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is the 3rd busiest airport in China, and the 13th busiest airport in the world. It is also one of the three major comprehensive air gateway in China. Known as an international transport hub, Guangzhou Airport handles about 150 international (regional) airlines, with more than 1,000 flights to 219 world wide destinations. You can take international flights from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, Taipei, Moscow, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and so on. Flights to Guangzhou >>

Updated News: Guangdong has started 144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang (Chaoshan) since May 1, 2019. Read Guangzhou 144 Hour Visa Free Transit to know detailed entry ports and more related information.

Most Recommended Guangzhou Visa-free Tour:

>> 3 Days Guangzhou Short Stay Tour

Guangzhou Canton Tower

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall with Delicate Carvings

◆ Chongqing 72-Hour Visa-free Transit (Already Extended to 144 Hours since Dec. 2019!)

From December 30, 2013, Chongqing was officially appointed as the 5th city implementing 72-Hour TWOV in China for some business visitors and tourists. Foreigners qualified all requirements can visit Chongqing via Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, stay in administrative regions of Chongqing. Thus, visitor can tour city center, visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Museum and travel to farther areas to see Dazu Rock Carving or Wulong Karst landscape within 3 days.

Tips: A Chinese Visa is needed (apply at the local Public Security Bureau) if you plan to take a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang or other cities in China.

Entry & Exit Port in Chongqing: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (IATA: CKG)

Most Recommended Chongqing Visa-free Tours:

>> 1 Day Chongqing Short Stay Tour

>> 2 Days Chongqing Highlights Tour with Dazu Rock Carvings

Stunning Night View of Hongyadong in Chongqing

>> Required Documents

● A Valid Passport (or international travel document): it must be issued by one of the 54 countries listed above, valid for at least 3 months and with valid visa to the third country/regions if requires.

● A Connecting Air (or vessel, train) Ticket : it must be valid, going to the onward country/region with detailed date & seat within 72 hours.

● A completed Arrival Card : you can get the card in the airport after landing, and then submit at the immigration counter.

>> Application Procedures

Step 1: When boarding on (a airplane, ship, train), you should notify the carrier that you would apply for the 72-Hour Visa-free Transit. They will declare your request to the immigration office prior to your visit.

Step 2: Upon arrival, follow the signs, go to customs area, fill in the Arrival Card, and submit application of transit visa exemption at the specialized counter/channel. It’s easy to locate the related immigration department in the airport.

Step 3: If approved, your valid passport will be pasted a short-term stay permit (a paster) by the officer. There has clear regulation of the issuing date and allowed duration of stay.

Step 4: If you have a valid Chinese Visa, and don’t want to use it this time, you should tell the immigration officer you will enter and transit by applying the 72-Hour Visa-free Transit this entry.

Step 5: After leaving airport, you must register yourself within 24 hours upon arrival at the local police station or Public Security Bureau (PSB). If you will stay in hotel, the hotel staff will do the registration for you. (Your application will be refused if you had violation of accommodation registration and caused serious cases in China within 2 year.)

Step 6: You’re required to apply for a Chinese Visa from the local PSB, if you intend to travel other cities or stay longer than 72hours. Otherwise, your illegal stay will face fines and other serious consequences. How to Apply for A Chinese Visa >>

1. 72-Hour Visa-free Transit or 24-hour Direct Transit?

China offers different visa policy for different situations, including transit visa, and 3 kinds of visa-free transit, etc.

*It’s suitable for you to apply for 24-Hour Visa Free Transit, if you will have a short layover in China within 24 hours, and are quite urgent to catch your next flight. Attention that once get this 24-hour free transit permit, you’re required to stay within the airport only.

*72-Hour Visa-free Transit is recommended for those who intend to enter the transiting city for a brief travel or business trip. The key point is your itinerary is not in a rush, more flexible. Make sure your flight ticket for departure is within 72 hours.

*If you are not eligible for China’s Transit Visa Free Policy, a Chinese Transit Visa (G Visa) is required if you want to go out the airport.

2. Transit routes & interline air ticket booking advice

Due to this policy is only valid for foreign passenger from 54 countries with connecting flights to a third country/region, one of the most important material you should prepare is the connecting flight ticket. It simply explains your travel itinerary and this entry is indeed a short-dated layover.

1.) This measure does NOT apply to a passenger traveling back and forth different areas of same country. (Note: Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei are counted as the third regions from China's mainland.)

Airline Route Examples:

a.“San Francisco - Xian - Chengdu - Canada” is NOT OK.

b. “San Francisco - Guangzhou - Canada” is OK.

c. “New York, USA - Guangzhou - Los Angeles, USA” is NOT OK.

2.) You should enter and exit from specific port as the limited. Therefore, check carefully whether the airline you chose have layover in a right airport in China. Except Beijing, Shanhai, Tianjin and Xiamen has more than 1 entry port, other 72-Hour Transit Visa Free cities only open one air port.

3. 72-Hour Transit Visa Cost

Applying the visa-free transit in a airport, seaport or railway port is much easier and faster than application in a Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Once successfully approved, your passport will stamp a stay permit, instead of a whole stick on a visa page.

4. Area of Movement

The 72-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy appoints different range of activity in different cities. Namely, foreigners must transit and stay in one city/area only, not allowed to travel beyond the permitted area.

Transit in Guangzhou: you can visit Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Shantou, Dongguan, Chaozhou, and any other cities in Guangdong Province.

Transit in Xian: you can visit Xian City and Xianyang City.

Transit in Guilin: you can visit Guilin, Yangshuo, Longsheng and other counties in administrative area of Guilin.

Transit in Chongqing: you can visit downtown area, Dazu, Wulong and other districts/counties in Chongqing.

Transit in Harbin: you can visit all administrative areas in Harbin.

Transit in Changsha: you can visit Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and else cities in Hunan Province.

5. Calculation of Entry Date

The 72-hour visa free transit officially counts from 00:00 on the next day after entry, not from the time when the flight land at the airport, or the time you get the stay permit. So you actually stay more than 72 hours.