144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
144 hours visa-free transit has been carried out in Guangdong, which provides great convenience for passengers from 54 countries or regions transiting through Guangdong to a third country or region. Tourists eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit in Guangdong will be able to travel within the whole province for 6 days without applying for a visa, and the stay duration will be counted from 00:00 the day after the entry date.
25 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco
6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand
6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
Here A refers to the country from which passengers enter Guangdong, and C refers to a third country or region. Before passengers' entry to Guangdong and after passengers' leave from Guangdong, they cannot have a stop anywhere in Mainland China. For example, if a passenger departs from UK to Guangzhou, with a stop in Shanghai, he cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
Required documents:
Passport/Travel Document valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry
Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region
Visa for a third country/region (if needed)
A fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender)
In Guangdong, only 3 airports can issue the 144 hour free transit, and they are Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an Airport, as well as Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, so the passengers who want to apply for this policy need to enter Guangdong from the 3 ports. But they are allowed to leave from any port in Guangdong.
The basic information about the 3 ports is as follows:
Starting on May 15, 2024, China implements a 15-day visa-free entry through Guangzhou and Shenzhen for foreign cruise tour groups organized by Chinese travel agencies, which enables the group tourists to explore 11 coastal areas, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and the capital city Beijing.
Passengers are allowed to travel or conduct business in the whole Guangdong Province if using the 144-hour visa-free transit, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Dongguan. It's not allowed to get out of the province.
Travelers can go to some popular scenic spots to have a better understanding on Guangdong, such as the well-known Window of the World in Shenzhen, the fascinating Yuexiu Park and the charming Pearl River in Guangzhou. Taking a Pearl River cruise has become a must-do thing for travelers in Guangzhou. Sightseeing the cities in Guangdong will not disappoint tourists because there are many beautiful attractions with natural and cultural sceneries within the province.
Passengers qualify for this policy can also conduct business activities or take part in trade fairs like the Canton Fair. Within the 6 days, businessmen can visit factories and firms in depth as well.
Cantonese cuisine attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world for its refined taste. Tasting the exquisite Cantonese cuisine and delicious Guangzhou snacks can be a highlight to the 6-day trip in Guangdong.
Tourists who qualify for the 144-hour convenient visa to Guangdong province China can take a flight to enter and then embark on a cruise or tour to other countries.
Further Reading on China 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy:
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Liaoning
Xiamen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing
Which Countries Are Covered by the Policy?
15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco
6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand
6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
What Is An Eligible Route?
Country A → B: Guangdong → Country C
Here A refers to the country from which passengers enter Guangdong, and C refers to a third country or region. Before passengers' entry to Guangdong and after passengers' leave from Guangdong, they cannot have a stop anywhere in Mainland China. For example, if a passenger departs from UK to Guangzhou, with a stop in Shanghai, he cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
What Are the Requirements & Procedures for Application?
Passport/Travel Document valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region Visa for a third country/region (if needed) A fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender) |
| How to apply for 144-hour visa-free transit |
What Are the Eligible Ports to Arrive?
The basic information about the 3 ports is as follows:
| Airport | Telephone Number | Visa Office Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | 0086-20-36066622 | 24 hours (full year) |
| Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port | 0086-20-8305 0444 | not officially announced yet |
| 0086-755-82327700 | 10:00 to the last flight of the day (full year) | |
| Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Home Port | 0086-400-883-1872 | 07:00 - 22:30 |
| 0086-663-3828770 | 24 hours (full year) |
Starting on May 15, 2024, China implements a 15-day visa-free entry through Guangzhou and Shenzhen for foreign cruise tour groups organized by Chinese travel agencies, which enables the group tourists to explore 11 coastal areas, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and the capital city Beijing.What Are the Eligible Ports to Leave?
| Airports | Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Jieyang Chaoshan Airport Meizhou Meixian Airport Zhanjiang Airport |
|---|---|
| Railway Ports | Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station |
| Road Ports | Wenjindu Port, Shatoujiao Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Gongbei Port, HZM Zhuhai Port, Hengqin Port, Liantang Port |
| Ferry Ports | Guangzhou Port, Nansha Port, Lianhuashan Port, Shekou Port, Shenzhen Airport Fuyong Port, Jiuzhou Port, Wangzai Port, Wanshan Port, Doumen Port, Jiangmen Port, Heshan Port, Gaoming Port (Foshan), Rongqi Port, Zhongshan Port, Humen Port, Pazhou Port. |
Areas Allowed to Stay
What Can You Do during the 144 Hours?
Sightseeing the Landmarks of Cities
Recommended Tours
Conducting Business Activities
Enjoying Famous Cantonese Cuisine
Taking Cruise Tours
Further Reading on China 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy:144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Liaoning
Xiamen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing
| Airport | Telephone Number | Visa Office Opening Hours |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | 0086-20-36066622 | 24 hours (full year) |
| Shenzhen Bao'an Airport | 0086-755-82327700 | 10:00 to the last flight of the day (full year) |
| Jieyang Chaoshan Airport | 0086-663-3828770 | 24 hours (full year) |
- Last updated on Sep. 06, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
Asked by Deborah Wei from USA | Nov. 16, 2024 19:05
Reply
ReplyHK to Guangdong to HK
My children are US citizens. Can they get the 144 day visa to Guangdong in HK but then return to HK to leave to go back to the US? Or can they enter China through Macau and then return from China to HK in order to get the visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 18, 2024 07:46
0
0Reply
00ReplyThe best way to arrive, stay, explore Guangdong province under 144 hour visa free transit is the following route:
Macau - Guangdong province (Shekou port, exclusively) - Hong Kong
They will have to take a direct ferry from Macau to Shekou port in Shenzhen because Shekou port is eligible port for entry into Guangdong province under 144 hour visa free transit. You are advised to take a ferry that arrives at Shekou port before 16:00 because the first shift crew at immigration section has the best knowledge in this regard.
Before they depart from Macau they will buy a train ticket from either Guangzhou or Shenzhen to West Kowloon Hong Kong station. They will print out a confirmation of this ticket and have it at hand, ready to be presented to both Macau and mainland Chinese authorities. This confirmation is the proof that they will be in Guangdong province in a transit between Macau and Hong Kong. Also, they will have to take exactly that train from Guangdong province back to Hong Kong that they have bought in advance.
Deborah, I advise you to use correct terminology because it is not 144 day visa, but 144 hour visa free transit. Have a nice journey.
Macau - Guangdong province (Shekou port, exclusively) - Hong Kong
They will have to take a direct ferry from Macau to Shekou port in Shenzhen because Shekou port is eligible port for entry into Guangdong province under 144 hour visa free transit. You are advised to take a ferry that arrives at Shekou port before 16:00 because the first shift crew at immigration section has the best knowledge in this regard.
Before they depart from Macau they will buy a train ticket from either Guangzhou or Shenzhen to West Kowloon Hong Kong station. They will print out a confirmation of this ticket and have it at hand, ready to be presented to both Macau and mainland Chinese authorities. This confirmation is the proof that they will be in Guangdong province in a transit between Macau and Hong Kong. Also, they will have to take exactly that train from Guangdong province back to Hong Kong that they have bought in advance.
Deborah, I advise you to use correct terminology because it is not 144 day visa, but 144 hour visa free transit. Have a nice journey.
Asked by Johnnie from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 13, 2024 03:41Reply
ReplyLHR-SZX SZX-SGN SGN-LHR Via SZX
Hi,
I am travelling either on. UK or Irish passport ( dual citizen) on 15 March 2025 LHR-SZX (Shenzhen) staying until 21 March and departing SZX to SGN (Vietnam) and returning SGN to LHR via SZX on 5 April 2025.
Am I eligible for the 144 hour visa for my stay in Guangzhou province, and what would happen if I wanted to do a day trip to Hong Kong and go back to Shenzhen?
Your advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Johnnie Joycre
I am travelling either on. UK or Irish passport ( dual citizen) on 15 March 2025 LHR-SZX (Shenzhen) staying until 21 March and departing SZX to SGN (Vietnam) and returning SGN to LHR via SZX on 5 April 2025.
Am I eligible for the 144 hour visa for my stay in Guangzhou province, and what would happen if I wanted to do a day trip to Hong Kong and go back to Shenzhen?
Your advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Johnnie Joycre
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 13, 2024 23:4220Reply
20ReplyJohnnie, let's simplify the entire situation. Just use your Irish passport and enjoy the fact that Irish citizens can enter China absolutely visa free for stays of up to 15 days. This will allow you not to bother with the formalities that go along with 24/144 hour visa free transit and in the same way, with your Irish passport you can easily commute (if you want) between Shenzhen and Hong Kong using your Irish passport. With the UK one, that would be also doable, but that would imply relying on 24/144 hour visa free transit, probably a Shenzhen visa on arrival while returning from Hong Kong and similar. Use your Irish passport and have a relaxed and joyful visit to this part of the world.
Asked by chow hong chung from MALAYSIA | Nov. 13, 2024 02:55Reply
ReplyJapanese Passport Holder Arrival into Baiyun Airport for 144 hours Visa
My mom is a Japanese passport holder. She is also a PR of Malaysia. And I'm a Malaysian passport holder.
We plan to enter into Guangzhou via Baiyun Airport.
I just found out that the visa-free priviledge for all Japanese is cancelled after the Covid pandemic.
With that said, we want to determine if she can use 144 hrs visa free program if we do -
Penang Malaysia (15-Nov) --> Baiyun Guangzhou (4 days) --> Hongkong (train, few hours in HK) --> Baiyun Guangzhou (1 day)--> Penang Malaysia (20, Nov)
I thank you in advance for your prompt answer.
Chow
We plan to enter into Guangzhou via Baiyun Airport.
I just found out that the visa-free priviledge for all Japanese is cancelled after the Covid pandemic.
With that said, we want to determine if she can use 144 hrs visa free program if we do -
Penang Malaysia (15-Nov) --> Baiyun Guangzhou (4 days) --> Hongkong (train, few hours in HK) --> Baiyun Guangzhou (1 day)--> Penang Malaysia (20, Nov)
I thank you in advance for your prompt answer.
Chow
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 13, 2024 23:3800Reply
00ReplyYou as Malaysian citizen can enter, stay and explore China for up to 15 days absolutely visa free, so the situation for is easy and quite transparent.
As far as your mum, a Japanese passport holder is different since, as you have correctly mentioned, the visa free regime for Japanese citizens is suspended. She can definitely use 144 hour visa free transit scheme in Guangdong province. She can also take a through train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong West Kowloon station after her stay in Guangzhou. You should have in mind that she will have to buy a train ticket in advance, even before departure from Penang, print it out and have it at hand, ready to be presented to relevant authorities. Also, she will have to take really exactly that train she has bought her ticket for.
After a stay in Hong Kong, she can return to Guangzhou, but not by taking a train because taking a train is not eligible for 24/144 hour visa free transit to enter mainland China, but she will have to take a ferry from Hong Kong to Nansha port, located south from Guangzhou. She will have at hand her flight ticket for Penang. This will allow her to enjoy another 144 hour visa free transit in Guangdong province visa free and to take later her flight to Penang.
I hope this helps.
As far as your mum, a Japanese passport holder is different since, as you have correctly mentioned, the visa free regime for Japanese citizens is suspended. She can definitely use 144 hour visa free transit scheme in Guangdong province. She can also take a through train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong West Kowloon station after her stay in Guangzhou. You should have in mind that she will have to buy a train ticket in advance, even before departure from Penang, print it out and have it at hand, ready to be presented to relevant authorities. Also, she will have to take really exactly that train she has bought her ticket for.
After a stay in Hong Kong, she can return to Guangzhou, but not by taking a train because taking a train is not eligible for 24/144 hour visa free transit to enter mainland China, but she will have to take a ferry from Hong Kong to Nansha port, located south from Guangzhou. She will have at hand her flight ticket for Penang. This will allow her to enjoy another 144 hour visa free transit in Guangdong province visa free and to take later her flight to Penang.
I hope this helps.
Asked by Corrie from USA | Nov. 06, 2024 12:48Reply
ReplyEligible for 144 hour visa free entry?
I will be arriving in schenzhen from Pengang. I am a USA citizen. I will then take a train to Hong Kong immediately after I land in pengang. Will I be ok without a visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 06, 2024 23:1800Reply
00ReplyYes, this is fine because you will be covered by 24 hour visa free transit. You should just have in mind that you will have to buy your train ticket in advance, even before you depart from Penang as a proof that you will be really in a transit. Also, allow a good buffer/amount of time between your flight landing in Shenzhen until your departure by train to Hong Kong. Also, please, keep in mind to print out your train ticket confirmation and have it at hand to present it in both Penang and Shenzhen.
When you land in Shenzhen, the first thing you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will present your flight and train tickets. Shortly after, you will be granted a temporary entry permit for free that will allow you to formally enter China in order to take your train to Hong Kong. When the permit is granted you will head to the immigration and then to the train station. Have a nice journey.
When you land in Shenzhen, the first thing you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will present your flight and train tickets. Shortly after, you will be granted a temporary entry permit for free that will allow you to formally enter China in order to take your train to Hong Kong. When the permit is granted you will head to the immigration and then to the train station. Have a nice journey.
Asked by Cathy from UNITED KINGDOM | Oct. 30, 2024 22:20Reply
ReplyKuala Lumpur to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to Macau
Hey Guys, UK passport from Kuala Lumpur KLIA to Shenzhen Baoan Airport, then the same day from Shenzhen Shekou terminal to Macau by ferry. This routine works for 144 hour visa free transit?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Oct. 31, 2024 00:4100Reply
00ReplyCathy, if you plan to do your transfer within the same day, this will be 24 and not 144 hour visa free transit. In order to be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit, you should have stayed in mainland China (Guangdong province) at least for a minute longer than 24 hours.
Never mind, you can proceed with your plan even under 24 hour visa free transit. You should just be aware that you will have to buy your ferry ticket from Shekou to Macau through TurboJet ferry website in ad advance, even before your departure from Malaysia. You will print out that ticket and have it at hand, ready to be presented to the relevant authorities in both Malaysia and China.
The first thing you will do upon landing in Shenzhen is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight/ferry tickets. This is free of any charge. After a short check, you will be granted a permit and you will head to the immigration and then transfer to the ferry port. Please, have in mind that you will really have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for. Have a nice journey.
Never mind, you can proceed with your plan even under 24 hour visa free transit. You should just be aware that you will have to buy your ferry ticket from Shekou to Macau through TurboJet ferry website in ad advance, even before your departure from Malaysia. You will print out that ticket and have it at hand, ready to be presented to the relevant authorities in both Malaysia and China.
The first thing you will do upon landing in Shenzhen is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight/ferry tickets. This is free of any charge. After a short check, you will be granted a permit and you will head to the immigration and then transfer to the ferry port. Please, have in mind that you will really have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for. Have a nice journey.