144-hour Visa Free Transit in Guangdong Province

2023.10.12

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Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on August 28, 2023:

1. The 15-day visa-free entry policy for Singaporean citizens has been resumed. Singaporean citizens who already have a valid visa to China can continue to use their visas as before. Visa applications that have been submitted and are under processing will be handled as usual.

 

2. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

 

3. In order to further facilitate the entry and exit of Chinese and foreign personnel, it has been decided to make the following adjustments to the visa and entry policies for foreigners entering China, effective from 00:00 March 15, 2023 Beijing time:

 

1). The entry function of visas which were issued before March 28, 2020 and still valid will be restored.

 

2). Overseas visa offices will resume issuing various types of visas (including Tourist Visa) for foreigners to travel to China, with specific requirements detailed in the visa application guidelines of Chinese embassies or consulates.

 

3). Port visa offices will resume issuing various types of port visas for lawful purposes.

 

4). The policies of visa-free entry for Hainan, Shanghai International cruise arrival, Guangdong for Tourist group entry of foreigners from Hong Kong, Macau, and ASEAN tourist groups entering Guilin, Guangxi will be restored.

 

4. Attention on China Group Visa on Arrival in Nepal: needs minimum 4 applicants, and no maximum limit. All applicants from one list must all come to the Visa Center for application.

 

5. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

 

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

 

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

 

National from 53 countries who hold valid international travel documents such as passport, and have confirmed seats of international flights, train, or ferry to a third country (region) within 144 hours are eligible for the transit visa exemption policy in Guangdong Province. Transit foreigners can choose to enter through any port of entry among Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an Airport, or Jieyang Chaoshan Airport， then leave Guangdong Province for a third country (region) through any of the 32 open ports(applicable list below).

 

The 53 Countries Eligible for 144-hour Visa Free Transit

● 24 Schengen Agreement countries in Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

 

● 15 other European countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus.

 

● 6 countries in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.

 

● 2 countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

 

● 6 countries in Asia: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Three applicable entry ports to get to Guangdong Province:

 

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport

 

Thirty-two applicable exit ports to leave Guangdong Province:

● Air Ports (5): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, Meizhou Meixian Airport, Zhanjiang Airport.

 

● Railway Ports (4): Guangzhou East Railway Station (Tianhe Port), Dongguan Railway Station, Foshan Railway Station, Zhaoqing Railway Station.

 

● Highway/Road Ports (8): Shenzhen Shatoujiao Port, Wenjindu Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian Port, Zhuhai Gongbei Port, Zhuhai Hengqin Port.

 

● Harbor/Sea Ports (15): Guangzhou: Guangzhou Port, Nansha Port, LianHuaShan Port; Shenzhen: Shenzhen Shekou Ferry Terminal, Shenzhen Fuyong Port; Zhuhai: Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port, Wanzai Port, Wanshangang Port, Doumen Gang Port; Jiangmen: Jiangmen Port, Heshan Bay Port; Foshan: Foshan Gaoming Port, Rongqi Port; Dongguan: Dongguan Humen Port; Zhongshan: Zhongshan Port.

 

Applicable routes samples

Hong Kong - plane - Guangzhou - plane - Singapore
Kuala Lumpur - plane - Guangzhou - Shenzhen - ship - Hong Kong
Singapore - Guangzhou East - high-speed train - Hong Kong
Hong Kong - plane - Guangzhou - Zhuhai - ship - Macau

 

Important:no matter you exit Guangdong from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc., either by plan, ship or train, your departing tickets should be booked in advance before your entry at Guangzhou airport, Shenzhen airport or Jieyang Chaoshan airport as you will need to show your booking records to the Border Inspectation.

 

Scope of Activities in Guangdong Province

Eligible foreign nationals are allowed to stay for up to 144 hours without a visa, starting from 00:00 hours the day after their entry, and can stay continuously for up to 6 days.

 

The scope of the transit visa-free policy covers all administrative regions in the province, but visitors are not allowed to leave Guangdong province.

 

How to Apply for the Transit Visa-free Policy

Foreign visitors, in principle, should apply for Chinese Visa from Chinese Embassies, Consulates and authorized diplomatic missions abroad. But, China (Guangzhou) does offer Port Visa service for some special visitors on their arrival. Read more about China Visa on Arrival >>

 

1. Declare the 144-hour transit visa-free plan to the airline when boarding from a third country or region. The airline will submit the declaration to the immigration inspection authorities.

 

2. After arriving at Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, proceed to the transit visa-free channel and find the relevant counter.

 

3. Fill out the Foreigner Entry Card.

 

4. Show a valid entry document (such as a passport) and a confirmed connecting ticket for a third country (region, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) within 144 hours.

 

5. Accept immigration inspection inquiries, and obtain temporary entry permission if the information is correct. (Tip: If you already have a valid Chinese visa, remind the staff not to use it for entry.)

 

Customs at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

 

Important Notice

According to the relevant laws of the People's Republic of China, foreign nationals who are eligible for the 144-hour transit visa exemption must carry their valid international travel documents with them and accept the inspection of the border administration and complete accommodation registration in a timely manner. If you stay in a legal hotel, your hotel will register for you. Those who reside or stay outside of a hotel should register their accommodation with the local public security office within 24 hours after check-in, either by themselves or with the assistance of the person providing the accommodation.

 

Foreign nationals eligible for the 144-hour transit visa exemption must depart on time. If you encounter a force majeure or other special circumstances, and cannot leave on time, or need to stay beyond the administrative area, you should in advance apply for a stay permit from the local Public Security Bureau who will issue the corresponding stay permit according to the reason for their stay.

 

Foreign nationals eligible for the 144-hour transit visa exemption who violate Chinese laws and regulations during their stay will be punished by the Public Security Bureau in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Foreigners who seriously violate Chinese laws and regulations will be restricted from entering China again.

 

For individuals whose passport or other international travel documents are valid for less than three months, who have been refused a visa by a Chinese visa office, or who have records of illegal entry, illegal residence, or illegal employment within the past five years, the border inspection authorities will not issue a temporary entry permit. In addition, penalties for foreign nationals who exceed the 144-hour transit visa exemption period will be implemented in accordance with the guidance of the competent department of the Ministry of Public Security.

 

Please note the information provided by China Discovery is for reference only. You can visit the official website of the National Immigration Administration or call the official hotline for accurate information. Guangzhou Immigration Administration: +86 020 12367; Shenzhen Immigration Administration: +86 0755 12367; Zhuhai Immigration Administration: +86 0756 12367.

 

 

Here are some of the top attractions and places to visit:

Guangzhou: The capital city of Guangdong province is known for its delicious Cantonese cuisine, historical landmarks such as Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and modern attractions like Guangzhou Tower, Chimelong Paradise amusement park.

 

Shenzhen: This fast-growing city is home to theme parks, museums, and innovative technology companies. Don't miss the Window of the World theme park, which features miniature replicas of famous global landmarks.

 

Foshan: Known for its centuries-old martial arts traditions and exquisite pottery, Foshan is a great place to explore the rich culture and history of Guangdong.

 

Zhuhai: Located on the coast of the South China Sea, Zhuhai is a popular resort destination with beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants, and amusement parks.

 

Danxia Mountain: This unique geological park in Shaoguan features stunning red rock formations that resemble layered cakes, with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.

 

Kaiping Diaolou: These fortified towers were built in the early 20th century by overseas Chinese returning to their hometowns in Kaiping. The Diaolou served as both residences and defensive structures, and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Lingnan Water Towns: Several ancient water towns in Guangdong, such as Foshan's Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese architecture and culture.

 

These are just a few of the many attractions and places to visit in Guangdong province, and there is much more to discover!

 

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also try our best to support & help your trip in China. If you are interested in China visa-free tour in Guangdong Province, just contact us, tell your interests and travel plans, we could arrange a perfect Guangdong tour package as you requested.