Chinese Visa Exemption – Visa-free Policies

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]hina has announced a temporary suspension of entry to China for foreigners holding valid China visas and Residence permits from 0:00 AM, March 28, 2020. Current visa policies, like 24/72/144-hour Transit Visa Exemption, Port Visa (On-arrival Visa), Hainan 30-day Visa-Free Entry, will be suspended during the difficult time. Please notice this and adjust your travel plan to China accordingly.

Can I travel to China without a visa?

That depends entirely on your situation. At present, 15 visa-free policies have been put into force in China for foreigners with ordinary passports, covering cases of different nationalities, transportation or entry, and visiting different cities. The most popular visa-free rules are the following visa waiver programs: you can travel to China without applying for a China visa.

1. CHINA VISA-FREE FOR SINGAPORE, BRUNEI, AND JAPANESE CITIZENS FOR 15 DAYS

• Nationality requirements: Singapore, Brunei, Japan;
• Visa-free stay period: no longer than 15 days;
• Entry ports: any ports opened to foreigners;
• Places they can visit: Beijing, Shanghai, any city on the Chinese Mainland.

Foreigners holding ordinary passports of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan are exempt from Chinese visas if they enter via opened ports and stay in the Chinese Mainland for tourism, business, or visiting friends/relatives (no more than 15 days). Travelers can enjoy a 2-week long holiday to popular destinations in China, experience different types of glamour in Beijing, Shanghai, etc.

Chinese Visa is necessary for Singaporeans, Bruneians, and Japanese if they overstay or visit China for other purposes (study, work, business, journalism, or other activities).

1. 72-HOUR VISA-FREE TRANSIT IN CHINA

• Nationality Requirements: 53 foreign countries and regions (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,…);
• Visa-free stay period: 72 hours (3 days);
• Places to visit: the transiting city or region;
• Valid cities (22): Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Qingdao, Kunming, Xiamen, Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian, Changsha.

From January 1, 2013, China implemented the 72-hour visa-free Transit policy for citizens of certain 45 countries in Beijing and Shanghai. Later, more countries, cities, and ports were added to the list. With valid travel documents and connection (air, ship, train) tickets to a third country (or region) departing within 72 hours, foreign nationals can enjoy TWOV (transit without a visa). They can enter and travel to certain Chinese cities if they do not exceed 72 hours (3 days) stay. Under such a policy, transit passengers must enter and exit China via appointed ports (most are airports) in the valid cities, and stay in the permitted administrative area no more than 72 hours.

Each city has a different type of transit:

• Transit in Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Kunming, Harbin, Xiamen, and Wuhan – stay in the city administrative region only;
• Transit in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Changsha, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang, Jieyang – stay in the whole province and specified regions;
• Transit in Xian – stay in Xian and Xian’yang.

1. 144-HOUR VISA-FREE TRANSIT IN CHINA

• Nationality requirements: 53 foreign countries and regions (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand…);
• Visa-free stay period: 144 hours (6 days);
• Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city;
• Places can visit: the transiting city or region;
• Valid cities (20): Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Xian, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming, Qingdao, Wuhan, Jieyang, Dalian, Shenyang, Qinhuangdao, Ningbo, Shijiazhuang.

Until December 2019, there were altogether 20 cities in Chinese top popular tourist regions offering a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for qualified foreigners. Applicants must come from one of 53 countries, hold connecting tickets to a third country with confirmed seats and dates within 144 hours. Most cities (like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu) have extended the previous 72-hours TWOV to 144 hours with more ports and a longer duration of stay.

The updated “no visa” rule gives foreigners greater convenience and the chance to make in-depth layover tours.

• VISITING YANGTZE RIVER DELTA (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang)

Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing in the Yangtze River Delta were the first cities to conduct 144-hour visa-free transit since January 30, 2016. Ningbo in Zhejiang province is on the list from December 1, 2019. A foreigner who meets all requirements can transit and stay in the Yangtze River Delta, namely, Shanghai, and any cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, without applying for a Chinese Visa for up to 144 hours (6 days).

Ports of Entry & Exit (8): Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Ningbo Lishe International Airport.

Stay Area: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shaoxing, Jinhua, and any city in Jiangsu province and Zhejiang Province.

• VISITING JIN-JIN-JI REGION (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province)

From December 28, 2017, China approved the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area to use 144-hour visa-free transit for better serving international layovers. Once meeting all conditions, visitors may enter and exit via one of the six opened ports, visit Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province for no more than 144 hours.

Ports of Entry & Exit (6): Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, Qinhuangdao Port.

Stay Area: Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Chengde, and any city in Hebei Province.

• VISITING PEARL RIVER DELTA (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, more cities in Guangdong)

Guangdong followed Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu to take 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption from May 1, 2019. Transiting through international airports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang, foreigners who satisfy essential requirements may enjoy visa-free transit tours in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and all 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province, and exit from one of 32 ports in Guangdong.

Ports of entry (3): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan Airport.

Stay Area: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Shunde, Jiangmen, Shantou, Dongguan, and a total of 21 cities in Guangdong Province.

• VISITING SHENYANG AND DALIAN (Liaoning Province)

The 144-hour visa-free transit through Liaoning Province was adopted on January 1, 2018. Eligible visitors transiting through Shenyang or Dalian are allowed to visit the whole Liaoning Province or transfer from Shenyang or Dalian to other cities in the Province, for up to 144 hours without applying for a Chinese visa.

Ports of Entry: Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport.

Stay Area: Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, Fushun, Dandong, and any city in Liaoning Province.

SPECIAL NOTES OF 144-HOUR VISA-FREE TRANSIT IN CHINA:

1. About Tickets: Before Arrival, visitors should hold departing tickets with specified dates and seats to an onward third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) within 144 hours. For transit routes, departure and destination should be in a different country or region.
2. About Ports: It’s not allowed to transfer from one region to another during the layover.
3. About Duration of Stay: The visa-free stay is valid from 0:00 on the day of Arrival (not from the landing time).
4. 24-HOUR VISA-FREE DIRECT TRANSIT IN CHINA

• Visa-free Stay Period: 24 hours / 1 day (within or outside the airport);
• Entry Port: Specific port in the transiting city;
• Places to visit; Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and most Chinese cities.

According to relevant laws and regulations, a transit visa is issued if a foreigner goes directly through China by international flight, train, or ship, heading for a third country (or region), and staying in China less than 24 hours. No immigration formalities are needed if foreigner stays inside the entry port only. For leaving the airport, or the port entry, he must apply for a “Temporary Entry Permit” without any charges from the immigration zone.

The 24-hour visa-free transit applies to foreigners from any country and most Chinese cities. If the connecting time is not urgent, visitors can take advantage of the 24-hour TWOV to have a quick one-day city tour or visit attractions near the airport.

5. HAINAN 30-DAY VISA-FREE FOR 59 COUNTRIES

• Nationality requirements: 59 foreign countries or regions (including US, UK, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia);
• Visa-free stay Period: up to 30 days;
• Entry Ports: Sanya Fenghuang Airport, Haikou Meilan Airport, all ports in Hainan;
• The destinations foreigner can visit: Sanya, Haikou, all cities in Hainan.

From May 1, 2018, Hainan Province started offering visa-free entry to citizens of 59 designated countries for up to 30 days. Travelers must hold a valid passport, be received by a Hainan-based travel agency, enter through one of the ports in Hainan and stay within the administrative region of Hainan Province, including Sanya, Haikou, etc.

Before Arrival, applicants should register with a Hainan travel agency, submitting personal and current travel information.

59 COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR HAINAN VISA-FREE ENTRY INCLUDES:

America countries: US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile;

European Countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and the Republic of Belarus;

Oceania Countries: Australia and New Zealand;

Asian Countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

6. 6-DAY VISA-FREE GUANGDONG GROUP TOUR IN PEARL RIVER DELTA

• Visa-free Stay Period: 144 hours (6 days);
• Entry Ports: ports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, any port in the ten appointed cities;
• Places to visit: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, Shantou.

Foreigners from any country that has established diplomatic relations with China and has already stayed in Hong Kong or Macau can enjoy visa-free travel to the Pearl River Delta for no more than six days. Based on the 144-hour visa rule, visitors can travel directly from Hong Kong, Macau to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Shantou in Guangdong Province, fully discovering the culture, history, architecture, and food of Lingnan in Pearl River Delta.

Foreigners must meet all the following conditions for application:

• Valid passport;
• Already staying in Hong Kong or Macau, and going to visit the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong and Macau;
• Joining a group tour of a travel agency registered in Hong Kong and Macau.

Important: Except for the above visa-free group tour, Guangdong also provides 144-hour visa-free transit for transiting travelers.

7. GUILIN 6-DAY VISA-FREE FOR TOUR GROUPS OF 10 ASEAN COUNTRIES

• Nationality requirements: 10 ASEAN Countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao, Myanmar, Vietnam);
• Visa- free Stay Period: 144 hours (6 days);
• Places to visit: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.

The six-day visa-free entry to Guilin for ASEAN tour groups was officially presented in May 2015. Nationals from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) can join a travel group (at least two tourists) from their home country, and visit Guilin for six days without obtaining a Chinese Visa. In this case, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the only port for entry and exit.

8. SHANGHAI 15 DAY VISA-FREE CRUISE TOUR GROUPS

• Visa-free stay period: 15 days;
• Entry Ports: Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal;
• Places to visit: the transiting city or region;
• Valid cities & Provinces: Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing & Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangdi and Hainan.

Approved by the State Council, the 15-day visa-free international cruise tour group to China began in Shanghai on October 1, 2016. Foreigner tour groups (with at least two visitors) can enter Shanghai through one of the two cruise ports in Shanghai, visit Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan in coastal areas. The cruise group tours must be organized and arranged by a travel agency legally registered in China. All tourist members shall enter and exit together at the same time and the same port.

9. VISA-FREE ENTRY TO HONG KONG

• Nationality requirements: 170 foreign countries or regions (UK, USA, Canada, Australia…);
• Visa-free Stay Period: 7 days – 180 days;
• Entry Ports: Hong Kong International Airport, Cruise & Land Ports.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR) in Southeastern China has a separate visa policy. The Hong Kong SAR Visa/Entry Permit is exempt for ordinary passport holders from about 170 foreign countries/territories. The length of the stay varies, ranging from 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 90 days to 180 days.

10. MACAU VISA FREE POLICY

• Nationality Requirements: 79 foreign countries or regions (US, UK, Canada, Malaysia);
• Visa-free Stay Period: 14 days – 1 year;
• Entry Ports: Macau Airport, Cruise, or Land Ports.

Like Hong Kong, Macau SAR also operates a visa waiver program for citizens of 79 countries visiting Macau for tourism or business matters. Foreigners coming from the EU and Schengen Agreement, are allowed to stay in Macau visa-free for up to 90 days, while the visa-exempted stay is 14 days for Brunei citizens and 30 days for other visitors.

11. RECIPROCAL VISA EXEMPTION WITH CHINA

• Nationality Requirements: 14 foreign countries (Fiji, Grenada, San Marino, Qatar, Tango, Serbia);
• Visa-free Stay Period: 30 days – 90 days;
• Entry Ports: any ports on Chinese Mainland;
• Places to visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, and any city in the Chinese Mainland.

Up to now, China and 144 countries have concluded agreements on mutual visa exemption. Please note that ordinary passport holders from only 14 countries can enjoy the privilege only, while other cases apply to diplomatic or official passport holders. The visa-free stay is a maximum of 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days for different nationalities.

12. HOLDERS OF VALID APEC BUSINESS TRAVEL CARD

• Nationality Requirements: Citizens of 21 APEC Countries;
• Visa-free Stay Period: up to 60 days per entry;
• Entry Ports: any port on Chinese Mainland;
• Places to visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and most Chinese cities.

When visiting China, the APEC Business Travel Card equates to a 5-year multiple-entry Chinese visa (valid for business entry only). Business visitors from 21 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) countries can enter China many times during the validity period, as long as they have a valid passport. And the permitted stay of each entry is 60 days at most.

13. HOLDERS OF PRC FOREIGNER’S PERMANENT RESIDENCE ID CARD

The PRC Foreigner’s Permanent Residence ID Card is the “Green Card” in China. This ID card allows foreigners to reside in China without limitation, enjoying the same treatment as Chinese citizens. The newest version (updated in 2017) serves as a 2nd-generation ID card, and it can be used on all occasions, such as booking train tickets, hotels, opening accounts in banks, etc.

14. HOLDERS OF CHINA RESIDENCE PERMIT

The Residence Permit of PRC is issued to holders of D, Z, J1, Q1, S1, or X1 visas, and to holders of other long-term Chinese Visas. Foreigners with China Residence Permit do not need new visa applications because the permit already grants double or multiple entries. If you have the D, Z, J1, Q1, S1, or visa with special requirements, you need to apply for the Residence Permit to local Public Security Authorities within 30 days upon the arrival.

15. SPECIAL VISA-FREE POLICY IN CHINA BORDER AREAS

Some visa-free policies are valid in different Chinese border areas. Russian citizens in Amur Area can have a one-day visa-free tour in Heihe, and a Russian tour group with at least two members can visit Suifenhe without obtaining a Chinese Visa. Kazakhstan citizens can get 3-day visa-free travel to Tacheng.