China’s 72-hour visa-free transit policy is a unique initiative that allows citizens of certain countries to stay in China for up to 72 hours without obtaining a visa. This policy was introduced in 2013 as a means of encouraging tourism and business travel to China.
In this blog post, we will explore the key details of this policy and what travelers need to know before planning a trip to China under this policy.
Eligibility Requirements for China’s 72-hour visa-free transit
To be eligible for the 72-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers must be citizens of one of the 53 countries that have signed bilateral agreements with China:
| Continent | Country |
| Americas (6) | Argentina Brazil Canada Chile Mexico United States |
| Asia (6) | Brunei Japan Qatar Singapore South Korea United Arab Emirates |
| Europe (39) | Albania Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Russia Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine United Kingdom |
| Oceania (2) | Australia New Zealand |
Additionally, travelers must meet the following requirements:
- Valid passport: Travelers must have a valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into China.
- Onward ticket: Travelers must have an onward ticket to a third country or region (or a return ticket to the country of origin).
- Accommodation proof: Travelers must have proof of accommodation in China, such as a hotel reservation.
- Port of entry: Travelers must enter and exit China through one of the designated ports of entry
- Transit purpose: Travelers must have a genuine transit purpose, such as tourism or business travel.
The designated cities are:
| City | Airport | Areas Of Stay |
| Changsha | Changsha Huanghua International Airport | Hunan Province |
| Guilin | Guilin Liangjiang International Airport | Guilin |
| Harbin | Harbin Taiping International Airport | Harbin |
It’s important to note that travelers who do not meet these requirements will need to obtain a regular visa before traveling to China.
China’s 72-hour visa-free transit Restrictions
While the 72-hour visa-free transit policy is a convenient option for travelers who want to visit China briefly, there are some restrictions that travelers need to be aware of:
- City restrictions: Travelers must stay in the city in which they arrived and are not allowed to travel to other cities or regions within China during their stay. If they wish to do so, they will need to obtain a regular visa.
- Multiple entries: Travelers are only allowed to use the 72-hour visa-free transit policy once every 90 days. If they wish to transit through China again within 90 days, they will need to obtain a regular visa.
- Time restrictions: Travelers must depart China within 72 hours of their arrival. If they overstay their visa-free period, they may be subject to fines and other penalties.
Conclusion
Overall, the 72-hour visa-free transit policy can be a convenient option for travelers who want to visit China briefly without the hassle of obtaining a regular visa. However, it’s important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and restrictions before planning a trip under this policy.
If you’re eligible, make sure to have all the necessary documents and proof of accommodation ready before traveling to China.
By following these guidelines, you can make the most of your trip to China and enjoy its unique culture, history, and attractions.
