72-hour Visa-free Transit
In September 2013, Chengdu joined Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in allowing 72-hour Visa-free Transits. Later in October 16, 2013, Chongqing became the fifth city joining these big 4. Passengers fly from other countries to another country going via Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport can also stay visa-free in Chongqing for 72 hours. The duration counts from the next day (00:00) after passengers arriving in Chongqing the following 72 hours.
Visa-free Policy Information
Visitors from the 45 countries are allowed to stay visa-free for a maximum of 72 hours in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. Visitors are able to apply for visa-free transit at Frontier Inspection Department at the airports in each city. This policy stipulates that visitors must stay in the same city for the 72 hour period. e.g. Visitors arriving in Beijing, can stay visa-free for 72 hours in Beijing but must depart from Beijing for a third country.
Required Transit Places
For visitors from the nominated countries arriving at Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu Airport and departing for the same airport for a third country can stay visa-free for 72 hours. It is not permissible transiting by train or any other ways are not allowed to stay visa-free. Similarly, passengers arriving by train or other means cannot apply for visa-free transit.
Conditions for granting 72-hour Visa-free Transit
The Ministry of Public Security for the People’s Republic of China, The Frontier Inspection Department will approve a 72-hour transit visa for visitors who meet the following requirements;
Lists of the Approved 45 Countries
Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.
Popular Questions
I am a citizen from one of the 45 countries:
Q. Could I buy the departure ticket for the third country or region after entry and then apply for 72-hour Visa-free Transit?
A. No. You must buy the departure ticket for a third country or region before the entry. If you do not hold the departure air ticket, you could not apply for visa-free stay.
Q. Could I enter Beijing /Shanghai/Guangzhou/Chengdu by train and then leave from my transit city by plane within 72 hours?
A. No. Visitors must enter and depart by plane from the same transit city.
Q.Can I apply for a transit visa if I hold a return/round trip ticket?
A. No. This policy is for visitors going to a third country/region. The destination cannot be the same as the original departure country.
Q. Can I leave the administrative area of the transit city after I get the permission of staying visa-free?
A. No. Visitors must stay within the administrative area of the place where the transit visa was issued. An application for a new visa is required if a visitor needs to leave the area.
Q. What should I do if something unexpected happens and I cannot depart the transit city within 72 hours?
A. An application for a new visa through the Public Security Bureau in the transit city is required.
Q.As there are 4 cities’ airports with this policy, could I enter China from Beijing Capital Airport and exit from Shanghai's airport?
A.No. Any visitors staying visa-free for 72 hours cannot leave the transit city and can only exit China from the same city.
Tips for visitors staying visa-free for 72 hours
- Foreign visitors not staying in a hotel are required to register at the local police station in the area in which they stay.
- During the stopover in the transit city, foreign visitors should always carry their passport;
- In an emergency dial 110 for help.
What to Do in Chengdu for 72 Hours
Chengdu is a city boasting numerous historical sites like Wenshu Temple and Du Fu Thatched Cottage and interesting folklore culture like Chuan Opera and Tea Culture. See our recommendations on Top Things to Do in Chengdu. Or look for more on Chengdu Tours.
