Transit through China without a visa sounds too good to be true - but for many travelers, it is real. China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows passport holders from over 50 countries to transit through major Chinese cities without applying for a visa, as long as they meet specific conditions. Here is the complete guide for 2026.

What is the 144-hour visa-free transit?

If you are traveling from Country A to Country B and your flight connects through an eligible Chinese airport, you can leave the airport and spend up to 144 hours (6 days) in China without a visa. You must:

Which countries qualify?

As of 2026, passport holders from the following countries are eligible for 144-hour visa-free transit:

Europe (24 countries): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein

Asia-Pacific (6): Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Singapore

Americas (5): United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay

Middle East (6): Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar

Africa (2): South Africa, Mauritius

The list is updated periodically. Always confirm your eligibility with the official NIA website before booking.

Which airports/ports allow 144-hour transit?

Not every Chinese airport participates. As of 2026, the following ports support 144-hour visa-free transit:

Key rules you must follow

  1. Onward ticket required. You must have a confirmed flight/train/ship ticket to a third country. A return ticket to your origin country does NOT qualify.
  2. Stay within the designated area. You can only stay in the city/municipality of your port of entry. For example, if you enter through Shanghai, you cannot travel to Beijing during your transit.
  3. No extensions. The 144 hours cannot be extended. If you overstay, you will face fines and potential entry bans.
  4. Register your accommodation. Within 24 hours of arrival, you must register your address at the local police station or have your hotel do it for you.
  5. Keep your documents. Carry your passport, onward ticket, and boarding passes at all times.

144-hour vs 72-hour vs 24-hour transit

China has three tiers of visa-free transit:

  • 24-hour transit: Available at most airports. You can leave the airport but must stay in the city. No registration required.
  • 72-hour transit: Available at fewer airports. Similar rules to 144-hour but shorter duration.
  • 144-hour transit: The most generous. Up to 6 days, available at the most airports.

If you qualify for 144-hour transit, there is no reason to apply for the shorter options.

When do you still need a transit visa (G Visa)?

You need to apply for a G (Transit) Visa if:

  • Your passport is not from an eligible country
  • Your transit exceeds 144 hours
  • You are transiting through a port that does not offer visa-free transit
  • Your onward destination is the same country you came from (round trip)
  • You are a journalist or diplomat (special rules apply)

Common mistakes that get travelers in trouble

1. No onward ticket. Border officers will ask to see your confirmed ticket to a third country. A reservation without payment is not enough.

2. Leaving the designated area. If you enter through Shanghai and take a train to Hangzhou, you are violating the transit rules - even though both cities are in China.

3. Overstaying. The 144 hours is counted from the moment you clear immigration, not from when your flight lands. Track your time carefully.

4. Not registering accommodation. Hotels usually handle this, but if you stay with friends or in a private apartment, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours.

Sample itinerary: 144-hour transit through Shanghai

Day 1: Arrive at PVG, clear immigration, take Maglev to Pudong, check into hotel, explore the Bund

Day 2: Yu Garden, Old Shanghai, Nanjing Road

Day 3: Day trip to Suzhou (within the Shanghai transit zone)

Day 4: Shanghai Museum, French Concession, Tianzifang

Day 5: Zhujiajiao water town

Day 6: Last-minute shopping, depart from PVG to onward destination

Quick checklist

  • ☐ Passport from eligible country
  • ☐ Confirmed onward ticket to third country
  • ☐ Entry through eligible port
  • ☐ Accommodation booked and registered
  • ☐ Stay within designated city/area
  • ☐ Depart within 144 hours

Planning a transit through China? Run a free route check to confirm your eligibility - start here.