Foreign nationals who meet the above-mentioned requirements may submit applications for the 144-hour visa-free transit to border inspection authorities in 20 Chinese cities, or apply for the 72-hour visa-free transit to border inspection authorities in 3 cities. This policy is not yet available in other cities.

Kind Reminder

Border inspection authorities will refuse to issue temporary entry permits to persons whose passports or other international travel documents are valid for less than three months, or who bear Chinese visa authority rejection stamps, or who have records of illegal entry/exit, illegal residence or illegal employment within the past five years. Such applicants are therefore ineligible for the 72/144-hour visa-free transit.

Recently, China has implemented the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of 51 countries. This is a tourism and business-friendly measure. It will exert positive impacts on China’s tourism industry, economy and diplomatic relations.

The visa-free transit policy encourages foreign visitors to stay in China during transit. They may choose to go sightseeing for a short period, which will boost China’s tourism industry. Hotels, catering businesses and tourist attractions can all benefit from this policy.

Transit visitors are likely to spend money in China on souvenirs, food, accommodation and other tourism-related services, helping to stimulate local economies.

For business travellers, this policy enables them to attend short meetings, site visits or business negotiations in China without extra visa procedures.

Easier access to China for foreign nationals promotes cultural exchanges between countries and helps build better understanding and goodwill toward China.

This policy demonstrates China’s positive stance on opening-up and international cooperation and helps strengthen diplomatic ties with other nations.

For foreign visitors, the policy makes it easier than before to take short trips during transit, explore local culture and scenic spots, and taste local cuisine. Travel experience will be greatly improved.

The impact of this policy on foreign talent recruitment remains unclear. It is estimated that it may indirectly create advantages and opportunities for Chinese enterprises.

Streamlined procedures for short-term visits: The convenience of visa-free transit may attract foreign experts, scholars and entrepreneurs to conduct short-term visits to experience China’s working environment, research opportunities and quality of life in person. Such first-hand experience may motivate them to work or invest in China on a long-term basis.

Enhanced international cooperation and exchanges: This policy makes it easier for China to organise and take part in international conferences, seminars and short-term academic exchanges. Such interactions offer China opportunities to engage and build connections with top global talents.

Improved international image of China: The policy highlights China’s open attitude toward globalisation and international cooperation, fostering a more positive global perception of China and encouraging more foreign talents to consider working and living here.

Boost for urban and regional development: Many cities and special economic zones rely on international business and exchanges to drive economic growth and innovation. The visa-free transit policy makes these cities more attractive to foreign investors, entrepreneurs and specialists.

Expanded networking opportunities: When foreign talents, experts and scholars come to China, they bring overseas connections and cooperation opportunities, helping Chinese institutions, enterprises and research teams expand their international networks.

Overall, although the primary goal of the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy is to promote tourism and business, it also creates a favourable environment for China to attract more foreign talents and specialists, further advancing China’s globalisation and economic development.