China expands list of visa-free ports for international transit
China adds three new ports—Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport, Lijiang Sanyi Airport, and Mohan Rail Port—to its 144-hour visa-free transit policy, benefiting travelers from 54 eligible countries.
China has recently expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing more international travelers to transit through the country without needing a visa. This expansion includes three new entry ports: the international airports of Zhengzhou Xinzheng in Henan province, Lijiang Sanyi, and the Mohan rail port in Yunnan province.
Stay conditions and eligible countries
The 144-hour visa-free transit policy permits nationals from 54 countries to transit through designated Chinese ports without a visa, provided they are traveling onward to a third country. Travelers must hold a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a destination other than the one from which they arrived. Eligible countries include: Albania, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Estonia, United States, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, South Korea, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
Entry ports and stay conditions
The table below summarizes the recently added ports to the list of visa-free access points, along with their associated stay conditions:
Entry port | Province | Visa-free stay duration | Specific conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport | Henan | 144 hours | Requires onward travel to a third country |
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport | Yunnan | 144 hours | Requires onward travel to a third country |
Mohan Rail Port | Yunnan | 144 hours | Requires onward travel to a third country |
In recent months, several key developments have taken place regarding travel formalities in China:
Reciprocity agreement with Australia and New Zealand: On June 17, 2024, China announced the inclusion of Australia and New Zealand on the list of countries benefiting from a unilateral 15-day visa exemption. This move aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between these nations and China.
Simplified procedures for tourist groups: Since May 15, 2024, China has implemented a visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering via cruise ports along the Chinese coast. Groups must remain with the same cruise ship until their next port of call and may stay in authorized areas for up to 15 days.
