What is 144 hour visa free transit through Beijing?


What is 144 hour visa free transit through Beijing? Under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, foreign travelers can enjoy a six-day stay in certain Chinese cities without a visa, provided they come from 53 eligible countries, enter and exit China from eligible ports, stay within the allowed cities and regions, as well as satisfy other requirements.


What countries are visa free for China?

As of November 2023, Chinese passport holders can travel visa free to 46 countries and territories:
  • Albania.
  • Angola.
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Armenia.
  • Bahamas.
  • Barbados.
  • Belarus.
  • Benin.


Do I need a PCR test for China?

Starting from 30 August 2023 (local time), China-bound Travelers will no longer need to do COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen Test. Relevant information will no longer need to be provided when filling the Health Declaration Form.


Can you leave Beijing airport during transit?

For applicants of 144-Hour Visa-free Transit, you can leave Capital Airport and stay in any hotels you like, or firstly rest yourself in a hotel nearby when flight arrives at midnight or early morning, e.g. Hilton, Cordis Beijing Hotel, Crowne Palaza Hotel, etc.


Are you allowed to exit airport during transit?

During domestic layovers, you are free to leave the airport. If your domestic layover is longer than one hour, you should expect to receive two boarding permits. If you want to check out local points of interest, make sure you get your second boarding pass and print it out before you leave.


Who is eligible for transit visa?

If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.


Do I need a visa if I am only transiting?

In most, not all, countries if you are transitting you remain airside and do not pass immigration. Therefor, you do not need a visa. In the US, however, if you are transitting and change planes, you have to clear customs and immigration, collect your baggage and check in again.


Do I need transit visa for 3 hours?

Yes, for any transit in the US you need a visa or ESTA if you don't have a US or Canadian passport, even for just a few hours, even if you don't plan to leave the airport.


Can I get a visa on arrival in China?

Foreigners normally need to obtain a visa for a trip to China before departure, while in certain cases they are likely to get a China visa on arrival at entry ports. The validity counts from the day following your entry and only one entry is allowed. Once you exit from China, the VOA expires.


Am I allowed to leave the airport during a connecting flight?

Yes, you can leave the airport during domestic layovers. For instance, if you're a US citizen and have a layover within the country, it is legal and safe to leave the airport. Be aware that you'll probably be getting two boarding passes if the domestic layover is more than an hour.


Is transit visa required for connecting flights?

An airport transit visa is generally required if you travel internationally and if you need to transit through a country. Even if you do not intend to leave the airport, you may need an airport transit visa.


What if my flight has a layover in China?

The government has a TWOV 24-hour policy that grants passengers visa-free access for a day, and this rule applies to almost all ports of entry. However, if you plan to stay for more than 24 hours, you may need to apply for a 72 or 144 hour Transit visa.


Is China transit without visa 2023?

Actually, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has gradually been resumed since January, when China downgrade COVID-19 from Class A management to Class B management. For example, Shanghai Port welcomed its first 144-hour visa-free transit passenger on January 10, 2023.