China has been making efforts to ease travel restrictions and attract international visitors. Below are the critical points about Chinese visa policies for foreign travelers, including regional exemptions and updated policies as of October 2023.
72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- Eligibility: Citizens of specific European countries, America, Oceania, and Asia are eligible
- Requirements: A valid international travel document and a connecting ticket to a third country
- Where to Apply: At border inspection authorities in 20 cities for a 144-hour stay, and three cities for a 72-hour stay
- Exceptions: Travelers with less than 3 months of validity on their passports or a history of illegal activity in China are not eligible
Regional Visa Exemption Policies
Shanghai Cruise Entry
- Eligibility: Foreign tourist groups of 2 or more, organized by registered Chinese travel agencies.
- Duration: Up to 15 days.
Hainan 59-Country Exemption
- Eligibility: Citizens from 59 countries.
- Duration: Up to 30 days.
Guilin ASEAN 144-Hour Exemption
- Eligibility: Tourist groups from 10 ASEAN countries.
- Duration: Up to 144 hours (6 days).
Guangdong 144-Hour Exemption
- Eligibility: Foreign citizens in groups from Hong Kong or Macau.
- Duration: Up to 144 hours (6 days).
Updated Policies as of 2023
Simplified Visa Application Process
- Changes: The travel history requirement was reduced to one year from five yearsÂ
- Changes: Including the highest level of education is sufficient.
Special Notice for Singaporean Citizens
- The 15-day visa-free entry policy resumed.
COVID-19 Measures
- Updates: Pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing is no longer required as of August 30, 2023.
Restoration and Resumption
- Updates: Various types of visas, including those issued before March 28, 2020, have been restored or resumed.
Group Visa on Arrival in Nepal
- Requirements: Minimum of four applicants All must visit the Visa Center for applications.
Compensation for U.S. Citizens
- Updates: U.S. citizens holding visas affected by the pandemic can apply for compensation, including a free 3-year multiple-entry visa.
Countries Eligible for 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
