144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
144 hours visa-free transit has been carried out in Guangdong, which provides great convenience for passengers from 54 countries or regions transiting through Guangdong to a third country or region. Tourists eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit in Guangdong will be able to travel within the whole province for 6 days without applying for a visa, and the stay duration will be counted from 00:00 the day after the entry date.
25 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco
6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand
6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
Here A refers to the country from which passengers enter Guangdong, and C refers to a third country or region. Before passengers' entry to Guangdong and after passengers' leave from Guangdong, they cannot have a stop anywhere in Mainland China. For example, if a passenger departs from UK to Guangzhou, with a stop in Shanghai, he cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
Required documents:
Passport/Travel Document valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry
Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region
Visa for a third country/region (if needed)
A fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender)
In Guangdong, only 3 airports can issue the 144 hour free transit, and they are Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an Airport, as well as Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, so the passengers who want to apply for this policy need to enter Guangdong from the 3 ports. But they are allowed to leave from any port in Guangdong.
The basic information about the 3 ports is as follows:
Starting on May 15, 2024, China implements a 15-day visa-free entry through Guangzhou and Shenzhen for foreign cruise tour groups organized by Chinese travel agencies, which enables the group tourists to explore 11 coastal areas, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and the capital city Beijing.
Passengers are allowed to travel or conduct business in the whole Guangdong Province if using the 144-hour visa-free transit, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Dongguan. It's not allowed to get out of the province.
Travelers can go to some popular scenic spots to have a better understanding on Guangdong, such as the well-known Window of the World in Shenzhen, the fascinating Yuexiu Park and the charming Pearl River in Guangzhou. Taking a Pearl River cruise has become a must-do thing for travelers in Guangzhou. Sightseeing the cities in Guangdong will not disappoint tourists because there are many beautiful attractions with natural and cultural sceneries within the province.
Passengers qualify for this policy can also conduct business activities or take part in trade fairs like the Canton Fair. Within the 6 days, businessmen can visit factories and firms in depth as well.
Cantonese cuisine attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world for its refined taste. Tasting the exquisite Cantonese cuisine and delicious Guangzhou snacks can be a highlight to the 6-day trip in Guangdong.
Tourists who qualify for the 144-hour convenient visa to Guangdong province China can take a flight to enter and then embark on a cruise or tour to other countries.
Further Reading on China 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy:
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Liaoning
Xiamen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing
Which Countries Are Covered by the Policy?
15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco
6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand
6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
What Is An Eligible Route?
Country A → B: Guangdong → Country C
Here A refers to the country from which passengers enter Guangdong, and C refers to a third country or region. Before passengers' entry to Guangdong and after passengers' leave from Guangdong, they cannot have a stop anywhere in Mainland China. For example, if a passenger departs from UK to Guangzhou, with a stop in Shanghai, he cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
What Are the Requirements & Procedures for Application?
Passport/Travel Document valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region Visa for a third country/region (if needed) A fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender) |
| How to apply for 144-hour visa-free transit |
What Are the Eligible Ports to Arrive?
The basic information about the 3 ports is as follows:
| Airport | Telephone Number | Visa Office Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | 0086-20-36066622 | 24 hours (full year) |
| Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port | 0086-20-8305 0444 | not officially announced yet |
| 0086-755-82327700 | 10:00 to the last flight of the day (full year) | |
| Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Home Port | 0086-400-883-1872 | 07:00 - 22:30 |
| 0086-663-3828770 | 24 hours (full year) |
Starting on May 15, 2024, China implements a 15-day visa-free entry through Guangzhou and Shenzhen for foreign cruise tour groups organized by Chinese travel agencies, which enables the group tourists to explore 11 coastal areas, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and the capital city Beijing.What Are the Eligible Ports to Leave?
| Airports | Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Jieyang Chaoshan Airport Meizhou Meixian Airport Zhanjiang Airport |
|---|---|
| Railway Ports | Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station |
| Road Ports | Wenjindu Port, Shatoujiao Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Gongbei Port, HZM Zhuhai Port, Hengqin Port, Liantang Port |
| Ferry Ports | Guangzhou Port, Nansha Port, Lianhuashan Port, Shekou Port, Shenzhen Airport Fuyong Port, Jiuzhou Port, Wangzai Port, Wanshan Port, Doumen Port, Jiangmen Port, Heshan Port, Gaoming Port (Foshan), Rongqi Port, Zhongshan Port, Humen Port, Pazhou Port. |
Areas Allowed to Stay
What Can You Do during the 144 Hours?
Sightseeing the Landmarks of Cities
Recommended Tours
Conducting Business Activities
Enjoying Famous Cantonese Cuisine
Taking Cruise Tours
Further Reading on China 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy:144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Liaoning
Xiamen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing
| Airport | Telephone Number | Visa Office Opening Hours |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | 0086-20-36066622 | 24 hours (full year) |
| Shenzhen Bao'an Airport | 0086-755-82327700 | 10:00 to the last flight of the day (full year) |
| Jieyang Chaoshan Airport | 0086-663-3828770 | 24 hours (full year) |
- Last updated on Sep. 06, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
Asked by Charles from USA | Sep. 12, 2024 22:20
Reply
ReplyUS to Taipei to Shenzhen
I'm an American citizen with a valid passport. I'm planning on flying from the US to Taipei and then flying to Shenzhen, staying for 4-5 days and then flying back to Taipei and then back to the US. Is the 144 hour visa-free transit allowed for this itinerary?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 13, 2024 03:34
0
0Reply
00ReplyUnfortunately, this is not possible to accomplish under 144 hour visa free transit scheme. The very basic rule of 144 hour visa free transit scheme requires that the immediate points before and after a mainland Chinese destination have to be in two different countries or eligible territories (eligible territories are Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau). As you can see, your both immediate points are in Taipei (Taiwan) and that is considered to be a round trip and not a transit.
Speaking about this option, I would suggest you just a bit creativity in order to become eligible for 144 hour visa free transit valid for entire Guangdong province. So, you can retain your Taipei to Shenzhen flight, but you should exit to Hong Kong. Like this the immediate points will be in two different entities. In other words, you will just take a high speed train being it from Shenzhen or Guangzhou directly to Hong Kong West Kowloon station.
There are couple of details that you should have in mind. You will have to buy a train ticket for Hong Kong even before you depart toward China. You will print out that ticket and have it with you at hand, ready to be presented to relevant authorities as a proof of your transit itinerary. Also, you will really have to take exactly that train you have bought your ticket for. After you have reached Hong Kong you can return to Taiwan without any problem. Have a nice journey.
Speaking about this option, I would suggest you just a bit creativity in order to become eligible for 144 hour visa free transit valid for entire Guangdong province. So, you can retain your Taipei to Shenzhen flight, but you should exit to Hong Kong. Like this the immediate points will be in two different entities. In other words, you will just take a high speed train being it from Shenzhen or Guangzhou directly to Hong Kong West Kowloon station.
There are couple of details that you should have in mind. You will have to buy a train ticket for Hong Kong even before you depart toward China. You will print out that ticket and have it with you at hand, ready to be presented to relevant authorities as a proof of your transit itinerary. Also, you will really have to take exactly that train you have bought your ticket for. After you have reached Hong Kong you can return to Taiwan without any problem. Have a nice journey.
Asked by Intan from INDONESIA | Sep. 06, 2024 16:25Reply
ReplyTravel to downtown by airport bus
Hello, I am an Indonesian passport holder and already obtained a Chinese Visa. I will travel by China Southern Airlines to Wuhan, but transit in Guangzhou Airport. Thus, I want to make sure the followings:
1. Am I allowed to exit from the airport to go around the downtown for few hours?
2. Is there any airport bus from and to the downtown? If yes, what is the operating hours?
Thank you very much for your attention.
1. Am I allowed to exit from the airport to go around the downtown for few hours?
2. Is there any airport bus from and to the downtown? If yes, what is the operating hours?
Thank you very much for your attention.
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Sep. 08, 2024 23:5500Reply
00ReplyIntan, before your landing in Guangzhou an arrival card will be dispensed on board the plane. You will fill out the arrival card and wait for the landing. Upon landing you will simply have to cross Chinese immigration because they are doing immigration at the very first point of landing within mainland China. In other words, you will enter China in Guangzhou and your following flight to Wuhan will be a domestic one.
So, after you clear immigration in Guangzhou you are free to do with your time as you wish. You can visit Guangzhou as you wish without asking anybody. This is your sovereign decision. In order to reach the center of Guangzhou you really can take one of several airport shuttle buses. There are several lines and they depart from both terminals. Probably the most convenient for your needs is Line 1 that will take you to Baima complex next to Guangzhou Railway Station located in the center of Guangzhou. There are other shuttle buses, of course. They are very frequent. Their operating hours are from very early morning hours until roughly 23:00. You can also consider taking a metro instead. Have a nice journey.
So, after you clear immigration in Guangzhou you are free to do with your time as you wish. You can visit Guangzhou as you wish without asking anybody. This is your sovereign decision. In order to reach the center of Guangzhou you really can take one of several airport shuttle buses. There are several lines and they depart from both terminals. Probably the most convenient for your needs is Line 1 that will take you to Baima complex next to Guangzhou Railway Station located in the center of Guangzhou. There are other shuttle buses, of course. They are very frequent. Their operating hours are from very early morning hours until roughly 23:00. You can also consider taking a metro instead. Have a nice journey.
Asked by Elzbieta from POLAND | Aug. 26, 2024 05:39Reply
ReplyEnter to China for the Second time
Dear Borut,
We have a few questions:
We are Poles, we have the right to a 15-day stay without a visa in China. Our destination is Guillin and Yangshuo, we would like to spend two weeks there. However, we want to see Shezhen and we need a few days more.
1. Is it possible to enter China for a second time for a 15-day stay, from Hong Kong or Macau? For the first time, we can enter China by train from Hong Kong, or by bus? or ship? Macau.
2. After finishing our stay in Yangshuo and leaving China, can we enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong or Macau for 144 hours? For example, we enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong and leave for Macau. Or we enter (by bus, ship, ferry?) from Macau and leave for Hong Kong. We have a return plane ticket from Hong Kong, but we can easily get from Macau to Hong Kong by ship.
Thank you for the answer
We have a few questions:
We are Poles, we have the right to a 15-day stay without a visa in China. Our destination is Guillin and Yangshuo, we would like to spend two weeks there. However, we want to see Shezhen and we need a few days more.
1. Is it possible to enter China for a second time for a 15-day stay, from Hong Kong or Macau? For the first time, we can enter China by train from Hong Kong, or by bus? or ship? Macau.
2. After finishing our stay in Yangshuo and leaving China, can we enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong or Macau for 144 hours? For example, we enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong and leave for Macau. Or we enter (by bus, ship, ferry?) from Macau and leave for Hong Kong. We have a return plane ticket from Hong Kong, but we can easily get from Macau to Hong Kong by ship.
Thank you for the answer
Answers (3)
Answered by Borut | Aug. 26, 2024 23:3700Reply
00ReplyElzbieta, the answer to your question is very simple.
It is true that Polish citizens have right to stay for up to 15 days in mainland China. It is also true that there is no limit of how many 15 days periods you can use within a certain time frame. In other words, upon your landing in Hong Kong you can enter mainland China by any mean of transport and by taking any border crossing. There is no any condition.
After your first 15 days have expired, you can return to either Macau or Hong Kong, again, by taking any mean of transport or any border crossing, up to your sovereign choice.
It is advisable to have an overnight in Hong Kong and Macau after your first 15 days period and then you can again enter mainland China again for a brand new 15 days visa free, again by taking any mean of transport and any available border crossing, there is no limit as there was no limit for your first entry. No 24/144 and other stuff apply to you. It is 15 days visa free that you will use again.
I hope my explanation is clear enough because you could have also used a third 15 days period by exiting to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or some other place and the re-entering mainland China again. There is no limit. Of course, a limit is a common sense :)
In any case, I wish you a pleasant stay in China.
It is true that Polish citizens have right to stay for up to 15 days in mainland China. It is also true that there is no limit of how many 15 days periods you can use within a certain time frame. In other words, upon your landing in Hong Kong you can enter mainland China by any mean of transport and by taking any border crossing. There is no any condition.
After your first 15 days have expired, you can return to either Macau or Hong Kong, again, by taking any mean of transport or any border crossing, up to your sovereign choice.
It is advisable to have an overnight in Hong Kong and Macau after your first 15 days period and then you can again enter mainland China again for a brand new 15 days visa free, again by taking any mean of transport and any available border crossing, there is no limit as there was no limit for your first entry. No 24/144 and other stuff apply to you. It is 15 days visa free that you will use again.
I hope my explanation is clear enough because you could have also used a third 15 days period by exiting to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or some other place and the re-entering mainland China again. There is no limit. Of course, a limit is a common sense :)
In any case, I wish you a pleasant stay in China.
Answered by Elzbieta | Aug. 27, 2024 13:3100Reply
00ReplyThank you very much for help. It is a very good news, so we are going to spend few days in Hong Kong, and then we will come back to China again.
Answered by Borut | Aug. 27, 2024 22:4800Reply
00ReplyExactly.
Asked by Domingos from BRAZIL | Aug. 01, 2024 01:37Reply
Reply144 hours visa by Hong Kong train!
Hi there!
I’m flying from Hanoi ( Vietnam ) to Hong
Kong! I’m planning to spend 1 day by bullet train at Guanghzou from Hong Kong! Do I eligible for the 144 hour visa arriving by train? If not is there any option?
Thanks!
I’m flying from Hanoi ( Vietnam ) to Hong
Kong! I’m planning to spend 1 day by bullet train at Guanghzou from Hong Kong! Do I eligible for the 144 hour visa arriving by train? If not is there any option?
Thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Aug. 01, 2024 03:2600Reply
00ReplyNo, you cannot do that, at least at the time being because right now you can enter Guangzhou or to be precise Guangdong province by air if you plan to use 144 hour visa free transit.
So, the alternative would be to take a direct (nonstop) flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and then to exit toward Macau by ferry. Exists toward Macau and Hong Kong are more liberal as you can see. There are some news, but nothing confirmed that even trains from Hong Kong will be eligible, but so far this is not yet institutionalized.
In order to be completely in line with the rules, you will have to buy an online ferry ticket through TurboJet website from Shekou port in Shenzhen to Macau even before your departure from Hong Kong because you will be asked to provide a proof of your transit through Guangdong province to a third country or better to say, in this case an eligible territory because you will be heading to Macau. Also, you will need to print out that ferry ticket and to have it wit you at hand. Please, do not forget that you will have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
After you reach Macau you can proceed to Hong Kong immediately.
Another alternative is to obtain a usual/ordinary single entry Chinese visa at Luohu (Lo Wu) border crossing for 739 CNY for Brazilian citizens, based on reciprocity between China and Brazil. You can just appear at that border crossing in the morning hours with some tentative itinerary and a hotel booking confirmation in order to obtain this regular visa. It will take some time, but you will be free with your time and also with the way how will you reach Guangzhou and how and when will you return back to Hong Kong.Basically, this is it.
So, the alternative would be to take a direct (nonstop) flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and then to exit toward Macau by ferry. Exists toward Macau and Hong Kong are more liberal as you can see. There are some news, but nothing confirmed that even trains from Hong Kong will be eligible, but so far this is not yet institutionalized.
In order to be completely in line with the rules, you will have to buy an online ferry ticket through TurboJet website from Shekou port in Shenzhen to Macau even before your departure from Hong Kong because you will be asked to provide a proof of your transit through Guangdong province to a third country or better to say, in this case an eligible territory because you will be heading to Macau. Also, you will need to print out that ferry ticket and to have it wit you at hand. Please, do not forget that you will have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
After you reach Macau you can proceed to Hong Kong immediately.
Another alternative is to obtain a usual/ordinary single entry Chinese visa at Luohu (Lo Wu) border crossing for 739 CNY for Brazilian citizens, based on reciprocity between China and Brazil. You can just appear at that border crossing in the morning hours with some tentative itinerary and a hotel booking confirmation in order to obtain this regular visa. It will take some time, but you will be free with your time and also with the way how will you reach Guangzhou and how and when will you return back to Hong Kong.Basically, this is it.
Asked by Manuel from MACAO | Jul. 15, 2024 08:30Reply
ReplyEnter Macau by Bus after landing in Guangzhou
Hi, I was planning go to Macau By Bus , there is one between Zhuhai Airport and direct to a Macau Hotel through Hengqin Border, which is listed as an acceptable exit border. Is this route eligible fot the 144h Guanzhou Transit Visa?
Answers (3)
Answered by Rita | Jul. 15, 2024 18:0300Reply
00ReplyManuel, as I know, Zhuhai airport is not an eligible entry port for 144-hour visa free transit.
Answered by Manuel | Jul. 15, 2024 19:5800Reply
00ReplyHi, I know, but I can arrive through Guangzhou airport, visit Guangdong province and Exit the Province through Hengqin border by Bus. The bus in this case happens to connect Zhuhai Aiport and Macau hotels
Answered by Borut | Jul. 15, 2024 23:0500Reply
00ReplyLori, I don't think that Manuel was thinking about using Zhuhai airport as an entry point. He has mentioned Guangzhou as an entry point in the title of his post, so I am more than certain that he had a bus line from Zhuhai airport to Macau as a way to enter Macau and exit Guangdong province in eligible way. If I am correct in my assumption, than a bus line from Zhuhai airport to Macau, if he can produce a ticket for that bus in advance, is an eligible way how to exit Guangdong province and enter Macau under 144 hour visa free transit rules. By the way, Manuel, I have already answered to your question in your previous post. Just look at your previous post below.