A press conference is held at the T2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on April 30th to explain the 144-hour visa-free transit policy to media representatives from both Guangdong and Macao. [Photo: Chen Tinghui]

According to the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department, foreigners from 53 countries can enjoy 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy from May 1st when entering China.

Lin Weixiong, Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department explained that foreign transit passengers with valid travel documents, and air ticket already in hand to a third country can enjoy this policy when entering China from Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport.

At present, channels for visa-free transit passengers are set in the ports of entry.

"Foreign transit passengers are, however, required to remain within Guangdong during the 144 hours," Lin added.

Sign of 24/144-hour temporary entry permit application at the T1 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. [Photo: Zhang Ziwang]

Furthermore, the transit passengers must leave China from one of the following ports:

Airports

Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Meizhou Airport, Zhanjiang Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan Airport

Railway

Guangzhou East Railway Station, Dongguan Railway Station, Foshan Railway Station, Zhaoqing Railway Station

Highway

Shenzhen

Shatoujiang Port, Wen Jindu Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian Port,

Zhuhai

Gongbei Port, Hengqin Port

Harbor

Guangzhou

Port of Guangzhou Gang, Port of Nansha Gang, Port of Lianhuashan Gang

Shenzhen

Port of Shekou Gang, wharf of Shenzhen Bao'an International Aiport

Zhuhai

Port of Jiuzhougang, Wanzi Port, Port of Wanshangang, Port of Doumen Gang

Jiangmen

Port of Jiangmen Gang, Port of Heshan Gang

Foshan

Port of Foshan Gaoming Gang, Port of Rongqi Gang

Zhongshan

Port of Zhongshan Guang

Dongguan

Port of Dongguan Humen Gang

Area for applying for temporary entry permit application at the T1 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport [Photo: Zhang Ziwang]

According to the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department, the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy is available to the passengers with following nationalities:

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, Switzerland, Russia, Britain, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus

America

United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

Oceania

Australia, New Zealand

Asia

Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar

Steps for passengers to apply for 144-hour visa-free transit [Photo: Monica Liu]

Sample for visa-free transit passenger’s arrival card [Photo: Monica Liu]

Author: Monica Liu, Steven Yuen

Editor: Simon Haywood