Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has resumed the 144-hour visa-free transit policy since January 8, 2023, following China’s optimization of its COVID-19 response. This policy was initially introduced in Guangdong Province on May 1, 2019, but was suspended in 2020 due to the global pandemic. In recent months, with a steady increase in international passenger flights and a surge in inbound and outbound travelers, there has been a growing number of foreign nationals applying for 144-hour temporary entry permits. This policy not only addresses foreigners’ traveling needs for business, tourism, and family visits, but also helps Guangzhou open wider to the world and fosters cultural exchanges. To further promote the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau has prepared a set of frequently asked questions and answers to provide you with essential information for a smooth entry.
Q: What is the 144-hour visa-free transit policy?
A: With the approval of the State Council, Guangdong Province and other regions have implemented a 144-hour visa-free transit policy. This policy applies to foreigners from 53 countries who have valid international travel documents and a connecting ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours. The area of stay will be limited to the administrative regions previously approved by the State Council.
Q: Citizens of which countries are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy?
A: Citizens of the following 53 countries are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
– 25 European countries in the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Croatia, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland;
– 14 other European countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus;
– 6 American countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile;
– 2 Oceania countries: Australia and New Zealand;
– 6 Asian countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Q: Can foreigners in transit through Guangdong Province apply for 144-hour visa-free transit?
A: With the approval of the State Council, Guangdong Province has adopted the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners from May 1, 2019. Foreigners from 53 countries who have valid international travel documents and a connecting ticket to a third country (region) (including an air, ship, or train ticket, or a bus ticket to Hong Kong or Macao) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours may enter through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, or Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, and exit through one of the 32 ports approved by the State Council in Guangdong Province. The visa-free transit area is limited to Guangdong Province.
The 32 approved ports in Guangdong Province include:
– 5 aviation ports: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Meizhou Meixian Airport, Zhanjiang Airport, and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport;
– 4 railway ports (not reopened yet): Guangzhou Tianhe Railway Port, Dongguan Changping Railway Port, Foshan Railway Port, and Zhaoqing Railway Port;
– 8 road ports: Shenzhen Wenjindu Port, Shatoujiao Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian Port, Zhuhai Gongbei Port, and Hengqin Port;
– 15 seaports: Guangzhou Port, Nansha Port, Lianhuashan Port, Shekou Port, Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal (Fuyong Ferry Terminal), Jiuzhou Port, Wanzai Port, Wanshan Port, Doumen Port, Jiangmen Port, Heshan Port, Foshan Gaoming Port, Shunde Passenger Port, Zhongshan Port, and Dongguan Humen Port.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the stay area? Can I travel beyond the restricted stay area in case of special circumstances?
A: If it is necessary to exceed the restricted stay area for special reasons, a stay permit must be applied for from the entry and exit management department of the local public security authority at or above the county level. Those who exceed the restricted stay area without permission will face corresponding legal consequences.
Q: How is the duration of stay calculated?
A: The duration of stay is calculated from the day following the day when you complete the 144-hour visa-free transit procedure to the 6th day.
Q: Can I extend my stay duration in case of special circumstances?
A: If you do need to extend your stay for special reasons, you must apply for a stay permit at the entry and exit management department of the local public security authority at or above the county level. If you overstay the allowed period without permission, you will be held responsible under the law.
Q: How can I make an application (to which department, where, what documents are required, and in what form)? What will be reviewed during the application process, and how long does it take?
A: You can apply for the 144-hour visa-free transit when you arrive at the border inspection station of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. You should present your valid and genuine entry and exit documents, a connecting ticket to a third country (region) (including an air, ship, or train ticket, or a bus ticket to Hong Kong or Macao) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours. After reviewing your application, the border inspection authority will issue a 144-hour temporary entry permit and allow you to enter according to the regulations.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the place of departure and destination?
A: The 144-hour visa-free transit policy applies to foreign travelers transiting to a third country or region. This means that your places of departure and arrival must be from different countries or regions.
Q: Can this policy be applied to the travel route of “Hong Kong – Guangzhou – Macao – Guangzhou – Hong Kong”? If so, are there any limitations on the number of times?
A: Eligible foreigners may apply for 144-hour visa-free transit at the border inspection station in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport when flying from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), by presenting genuine and valid entry and exit documents and a connecting ticket to Macao SAR with a confirmed time and seat within 144 hours. The same applies if you are flying from Macao SAR to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and you have a connecting ticket to Hong Kong SAR with a confirmed time and seat within 144 hours. Although there are no specific limitations on the number of entries, each application must pass the border inspection review. A 144-hour temporary transit entry permit can only be issued if no abnormalities are found.
Q: Where can I find the regulations for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy?
A: You can find the regulations on the official website of the National Immigration Administration.
Q: Can I apply for a 144-hour visa-free transit if I am traveling on a business jet and do not have a connecting ticket?
A: Foreigners from the 53 countries who meet the 144-hour transit visa-free requirements can apply to the border inspection authority for 144-hour visa-free transit by presenting valid entry and exit documents, as well as written proof issued by the business jet carrier specifying the passenger identity information, flight number, itinerary, entry and exit dates, and other relevant information.
🔔 Attention:
For individuals who hold passports or other international travel documents with a validity period of less than 3 months, or have stamps of visa refusal by Chinese visa authorities, or have records of illegal entry and exit, residence, or employment within the last 5 years, the border inspection authority will not issue temporary entry permits. Such individuals are not eligible to apply for 144-hour visa-free transit.
If you have any further questions, please call the 12367 service hotline. We will provide you with around-the-clock consultation on immigration administration policies.
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