Do You Qualify for 144/240-Hour Visa-Free Entry?
54 nationalities. Designated ports. Hard time limits. This is the complete, jargon-free checklist — so you know before you book.
54 Countries, One Policy
Passport holders from these 54 nations may enter China without a visa for up to 144 hours, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket and enter through a designated port.
You need: a valid passport from an eligible country, a confirmed onward ticket out of China within 144 hours, and entry through a designated port. A transit visa is not required — but you cannot extend once inside.
All EU member states, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and 10 more. Hold a valid passport and a ticket departing China within 144 hours.
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, and several others. Check the full official list — a few countries were added in 2024 and some forums still show the old count.
The Rules That Can Void Your Plan
240-Hour Cap — No Extensions
Entry and Exit Ports Must Differ
Designated Provinces Only
Your clock starts at passport control, not at landing. Miss the 240-hour limit and you face a fine and a ban on future visa-free entries. Plan your exit flight with buffer time.
you cannot fly in and out of the same airport on the same ticket. You must route through two different designated ports — the rule that catches most travelers off guard.
The 240-hour policy applies to 65 open ports across 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) nationwide.
Before You Book — Quick Answers
Do I need to apply for anything in advance?
No pre-application required. The 144-hour exemption is granted at the port of entry when you present your eligible passport and a confirmed onward ticket. No form, no fee, no embassy visit.
Can I travel between cities during my 144 hours?
Yes — within your designated region. Shanghai travelers can reach Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing by bullet train. Beijing travelers can reach Tianjin. Leaving the designated zone is a visa violation.
What if my connecting flight is delayed past 144 hours?
Report to the nearest Entry-Exit Bureau immediately. Documented airline delays are handled case by case — but you must report before the window closes, not after. Do not wait and hope.
Ready to turn your eligible hours into a real itinerary? The AI planner maps your entry point, exit port, and time window into a day-by-day plan — in seconds.